Questions and Answers

Ford Tempo Won't Crank Q. Vincent, I have a 1993 Ford Tempo, 3.0 liter V-6, 130,000 miles, A/C, fuel injection. This car won't start. The dash lights up when you turn the ignition but the engine does not turn over, not a sound comes from it. I replaced the battery, the battery cables and had the starter tested (it was good).

The check engine light was on for months before it died but the car was running fine. Any suggestions on what to do next?

A. I don't think the Check Engine Light (MIL) has anything to do with this particular problem, but I would get it taken care of. I'm assuming you have an automatic transmission in this vehicle.

I would check for power at the red/light blue wire with the key in the START position. If there is no power then go to the neutral safety switch and check for power at the white/pink wire. If there is power there, you have a bad neutral safety switch. If not, check for power at the same wire at the ignition switch. If you still don't have power then you have a bad ignition switch.