2000 Navi occasionally doesn't start. PLS HELP!

Hey guys, I really need some help here. On occasion (and at random,) my Navigator will not start. It usually happens at least 3 times each summer. It started doing this a few years ago and hasnt been that big of an issue. Well, first off, let me tell you what happens. After driving the car, I park it and shut it off. Then, after an hour or so, I get back into it and try to start it but it won't. As I turn the key, the dash quickly dims off, and when I release the key, the dash comes back on. The engine doesn't even try to crank. So I leave the car in its parking spot overnight and come back the next day. I get in and try to start the car. It starts up perfectly normally! What the heck is wrong with it!?!?
:frown:

Is the anti-theft system malfunctioning? Is it the summer heat? (Problem only occours in the summer.) Is it an issue that anyone has had before in a navigator? The battery isn't bad, and the connection terminals on the wires were replaced a few weeks ago. The car is perfectly healty otherwise. Even a theory as to what is wrong would be greatly appreciated!

TIA. -Harrison

WELCOME HARRISON !!!

Sounds to me like a typical Starter Solenoid issue. Yes, they can be intermittent.

You might want to get under there and disconnect all the Starter Wires, bend and prod at them to verify the ends are crimped well and not corroded or loose, clean them up if need be, and re-attach them securely.

If your Solenoid wire was disconnected (for example) your description of the dash lights dimming would be 100% right on.

That still won't let the Solenoid off the hook, but it will rule out those wires.

Unfortunately an intermittent Solenoid problem is tough to diagnose other than replacing it.

Your anti-theft system wont keep her from cranking.

Thanks a lot for your help! I'll look in to that.

-Harrison :grinyes:

Me again, yes it was the solenoid. It pooped out on me a few weeks ago. (this is how rarely it occours) $10 part from auto zone. replaced it and the thing started right up! :)

Wow.. you really got some miles out of that one :)

It's a pleasure knowing there's some happy Lincoln drivers out there !!

Yea defintely a starter issue.

My brother's Navi (2005 Limited) did much the same last night, but you could hear relays clicking/buzzing, and the interior lights alternately dimming and brightening in time with the clicks/buzzes - even with the key off and removed from the ignition.

It took a jumpstart without problems, but prior to that I tried jumping the starter solenoid terminals without any sort of success.

The Advance Auto guy hooked up to it, and said battery was good but he never tried a load test.

Any ideas?