Ok, this is the blonde woman in me coming out.....I have a 98 Windstar 3.0. It started acting weird a few days ago. It doesn't want to turn over. It's not a slow or long crank, almost like it's stuck?! It's doesn't act like it's dying. And it doesn't do it every time. I tried using my spare key and it does it also. My brother thinks it is the ignition tumbler. I was told to spray WD40 in it, but that kinda freaks me out to do that. Is that safe to try first? Any ideas?!

P.S. I wasn't sure what forum to stick this in and I figured that everyone looks here anyway .

 

Well, if the key turns freely then there's nothing wrong with the key/cylinder. I'm assuming that's what you meant by ignition tumbler. And I'm assuming you mean the starter just turns, but the engine won't start? I don't know anything about that engine, but my first guess would be a sensor going bad, crank or camshaft... I wouldn't spray anything into the ignition key slot.

Just a guess, to maybe start you in the right direction till someone with some better knowledge comes along...

 

Starter relay is getting ready to take a dump.

 

Starter relay wouldn't effect the engine starting only wether or not the starter engages/starts/turns/runs/gets juice... whichever one conveys what I'm trying to say... Turn the key, no sound... could be starter solenoid.

Maybe I'm confused about the original description...

 

Ok, let me think how to describe this in "techy' terms. It's almost like its catching on something. I hear the click but then nothing, I try it again and its fine. When it finally "catches" its like nothing was ever wrong. And it doesn't do this all the time either. Maybe about 3 out of 5 times I start the car.

 

Oh yeah, it feels like I'm not able to get the key pushed back enough to start.

 

You say it feels like the key isn't pushed back far enough. The key is usually pushed in. Do you mean that the key doesn't go all the way in? If that is the case, you wouldn't be able to turn the key. Can you turn the key? If answer is yes, then the key is probably all the way in.
Now, when the key is turned, there should be a slight click. The solenoid is actibvating. Then the starter motor should kick in. If yo hear nothing, or a series of clicks, then you have a problem with your battery, maybe. If the engine turns over, but won't start you have either a dead/weak battery, a bad starter solenoid (starter probably won't turn over) or your starter is going on you ( it may have a grinding noise or will attempt to turn but "gets stuck" and may just humm). If it's your starter shorting out internally, you may smell and/or see smoke coming from the starter or its wiring.
Hope one of these explainations help. Hope it's just a weak battery.

 

Ok, I am beginning to understand why the techs would get so mad when someone comes in with a complaint....LOL. This is how it goes, step by step.

1. I insert the key and it is inserted completely.
2. I turn the top of the key towards the dash.
3. It clicks but then acts like its sticking, after the click. I jiggle it abit and then it will either start or it won't. When it doesn't, I bring the key back to original position, and try again. It will almost always start the 2nd time.

I don't mean to sound condescending by any means. Sorry if I sound like it.

 

I don't know much at all about this engine, but it sounds like either your starter relay is failing or the starter itself. If it's either one of those you will know pretty soon because you will get a no start sooner than later. They usually give you a warning just before they die.

 

Sounds like an issure I had with my 95 f150. The switched hot wire from the relay to the solonoid had corroded around the connection at the solonoid and wasn't getting enough juice to energize the starter. The above suggestions are a great starting point, this is just another possible reason. But it doesn't sound like there is anything wrong at the steering column.