Ford Topaz

1992 Ford Topaz Ignition System   

3.0L, intermittent starting issues. Sometimes car will start fine, other times, turning key produces absolutely nothing - no interior lights, radio presets lost, fuel pump cannot be heard. Other times solenoid clicks loudly (normally), fuel pump can be heard, interior lights and radio are fine but no start, starter will not engage. Battery has been checked and in very good condition, terminals on battery and solenoid and ground have been cleaned and tightened. Any ideas?

Start by checking two things. One the main wire to the alternator and the battery cables and grounds (engine & body). I know you have cleaned the ends, but the corrosion can bleed down and create intermittent problems like you are experiencing. I'd concentrate on the ground. Also make sure you don't have any fuses corroding. Do you live in the salt belt?

yes I do live in the salt belt, and by fuses are you referring to the ones in the fuse panel located INSIDE the car??

I don't really expect the fuses, but don't want to overlook them. The fuses underhood, also recheck all wiring at the solenoid.

I think you solved it. Apparently, someone before me had changed out the cable ends at the battery to the ones that squeeze the ends of the wire to the post clamp. I removed the caps and found horrible corrosion on the ends of the wires both pos and neg. Have cleaned all affected parts thoroughly and applied a generous amt of battery anti-corrode compound. The car started immediatly, and many times after.
THANK YOU for saving me the time and the $$$$ needed to replace alternator, starter, battery, solenoid, etc.etc.etc. until I found the prob for myself.