1990 Ford Thunderbird Won't Start - Electrical & Lighting Systems

Question: I have a 90 t-Bird Super Charged, the alt. went out and I had it replaced, but the car never restarted. The fuel pump runs all the time and the built in alarm (Key-door lock only) does not work any more, Just flashes on the dash. It showes no reading on my scanner, just a solid light. Several have looked at it and no one seems to know what is wrong for sure. I don't want to start replacing every thing as it does get expensive. can you help me out on this. My car has been down for 8 months and would love to drive it again... Thanks, Jay

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Technican: Okay, I'll do some research today for you. Where shall I start? Do you have fuel pressure? Spark? Does the engine crank? Do you get oil pressure when cranking the engine? Do you feel that a theft deterrent feature needs to be reset to wake this car up? Are all fuses good? (Fusable links included) Please advise.

Technican: Hello, Is tomorrow soon enough to get you some suggestions? I'll be able to access the Mitchell I Auto Repair Data Base for schematics and trouble tree charts for diagnostics to develop a plan. I could FAX to you my findings if you have a FAX number. What engine size is your supercharged engine? Have you verified spark? Did the alternator that failed "spike" voltage when it failed? All fuses and fusable links good? If this is not acceptable for you, please release the question so that others may try sooner.

Owner: Hey, its a super coupe(on bumpers it says SC ) and it's a 3.8 Litre V6 supercharged. I appreciate all the help you can give me to get it running again. Jay

Technican: To further assist you I need to know what size engine you have and to ask you if your car is the Super Coupe? When I went to the data base today there was a menu of choices for wiring that was respective to different engine displacement sizes. I didn't know what to select.

Owner: OK, the engine does turn over, but has no spark from coils, coils have been checked, found to be ok, and it does have fuel presure, engine control module checks out OK.(the one on top of the engine) the fuel pump runs all the time. fan runs all the time. I don't get any reading from the main computer( on the passengers side). checked all fuses and what fusable links that I could find. Do you have a idea on how many and where? The theft system does not work properly light stays on all the time, (on dash) Hell it has to be something simple. I am getting gray headed over this junker. Jay

Technican: Okay, she cranks, but no spark, fuel pump runs all the time and has pressure, we have a theft system light "ON", and a fan runs all the time? A cooling fan? Are you using a scanner or a code reader to try to communicate with the main computer? You get nothing? Do you have a FAX number I may send you schematics? Would I need a cover sheet for the FAX to get it to your attention? I'm going to study for a "cranks but no spark" condition. No communication with the computer makes me wonder if the alternator that failed caused a spike of high voltage when it went. Connecting the battery when the key is in the ON position is bad for computers, too. I'll run this by a great friend with decades of Ford experience for his input, too. Thoughts?,

Owner: Hi, , I am sorry I don't get back to you as soon as I should. I do a little work at home for a few people that cannot aford to take their cars to a shop for small repairs. I am a little mechanial minded but this T-Bird has me gray headed.I also did body work for my main profession. I got hurt in 93 and it almost put me under. If we can get this junker repaired I will send you a check for your troubles. OK That was the cooling fan I talking about. I was using a code reader. also a couple others tried the same thing with it. Its hard to get someone to help you as they want dealer prices to look at it. If I may ask does the crank sensor and cam sensor pickup have any thing to do with it? could they be damaged by the alt. going? Jay ps I do have a Fax machine but have to know at the approx. time to turn it on. To day I have a mri to do on my shoulder. hope to be home around 3:00 pm. and the number is 480-481-0755 I am in Tempe, AZ

Technican: Crank and cam sensors are both inputs on a 5VDC reference signal to the computer. I doubt they were damaged by the alternator failure but the computer itself is sure not doing right if it won't communicate with a code reader or scanner. The quad drivers in the computer may have problems that cause all the trouble. Can you get your hands on a Snap-On MT2500 Scanner? Would your bodyshop history include friends who have a scanner you could use? I'll FAX some info later today. I'm in the OKC, OK area and I'm two hours ahead of you. I'll try after 3:00pm your time.(5:00pm my time)

Owner: OK, You can Fax me the info. I will have it on till 3:30 pm. No you don't need a cover sheet. just go ahead and send it. Jay

Technican: Okay, Look over the pages I've FAXed and see if they will help identify what is where.

Technican: Hello, I'm hoping you'll update me on the status of your question. Please advise.

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