Ran when parked

Jeff Hookway

Jeff Hookway

PCS Life Member Elected Director
Not a professional car BUT a 1966 Cadillac Deville convertible I inherited from my father in 2003.

I went out to take it to work one day a few years ago and it would not start. I thought dead battery. Since I had the ambulance to drive around I did not look at the problem. It has been sitting for 5-7 years now. Recently I put in a battery, from the ambulance, bright headlights, turn the key – the GEN light comes on bright but nothing turning to start and the GEN light goes off. I have the battery terminals clean and tight. I cleaned the ground connection to the frame. I do have evidence of mice.

Suggestions for the next steps?

I would like to at least get the engine running before selling as a “parts car.” Plenty of miles 150k, and well used and traveled, rusted frame, I was told to go slow over RR tracks!IMG_8071.JPG
 
Mutiple issues could cause this, try the simple things first. Might be the neutral safety switch is bad; you can jump it at the base of the column or try moving the gearshift slightly in neutral and park while trying to crank the engine first. You can also run a hot wire to the coil and jump the starter solenoid as a temporary repair just to move it. This can be dangerous if not done correctly if not sure do not attempt this. Might be just a loose batter cable at the starter etc. , etc. , etc.
 
Working then not working new battery. no help no crank. One of two things that will not let the starter turn over the safty switch or the starter is bad. You have done the conections. The the safty switch will make contact wiggling the shifter with the key in start usual if its going bad. The starter is more yes or know. With this 77 it was the starter.
 
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