Ford Thunderbird Car is hard to start Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(153)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(153)

Car is hard to start Inspection Service

How much does a Car is hard to start Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Thunderbird Car is hard to start Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1977 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1979 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.8LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1988 Ford ThunderbirdL4-2.3L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2003 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1983 Ford ThunderbirdL4-2.3L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1974 Ford ThunderbirdV8-6.6LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1992 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1966 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ford Thunderbird Car is hard to start Inspection prices

A car that is hard to start can be a major inconvenience. While this is usually not a life threatening malfunction, it can make getting around much more difficult. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem.

Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

In order to get an engine running, it must be turned at speed so that it starts to suck fuel and air into the cylinders, and then compress and ignite this fuel/air mixture.

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. The starter motor has a small pinion gear wheel that engages with a larger gear ring at the rim of the engine flywheel.

The starter motor draws the electric current it needs to run from the battery. The starter needs a heavy current and to avoid sparking a solenoid is used. The ignition switch operates the starter motor. When the ignition is turned on, current is fed to the solenoid and into the starter motor. Once the car engine starts and the key is released, the starter motor turns off.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Starter: Over time starter motors can wear out and start to malfunction. If this is the problem the starter will have to be replaced. If the car turns over, the problem is not the starter. If nothing happens when the key is turned the problem could be the starter, or if the car turns over very slowly and the dash lights dim while it is cranking, the starter could be the culprit.

  • Bad Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired.

  • Low or Dead Battery: The starter motor needs voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or failing it may not produce enough current for the starter motor to function. Charging or replacing the batter should resolve this problem.

It is also possible that the battery terminals have become corroded or loose. Cleaning and tightening the terminals and cables is recommended.

  • Failing Solenoid: A failing solenoid is a common issue with the starter system and if the solenoid is going bad, the car will be difficult to start. The starter will need to be inspected to determine if the problem is the starter motor itself or the solenoid. A failing solenoid will need to be replaced.

  • Failing Ignition Switch: Over time an ignition switch can start to fail and one of the most common symptoms is that the car is hard to start. If the ignition switch is hot to the touch this indicates an issue with the ignition switch wiring. A failing ignition switch will eventually stop working completely and will need to be replaced.

  • Defective Fuel Pump: If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start. The fuel pump is responsible for pulling gas from the tank to the injectors and if it is not delivering enough fuel the car will be difficult to start and eventually will not start at all.

  • Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. As electrodes wear down, the voltage required to jump the gap to ignite the fuel increases. This can lead to prolonged cranking before the engine will start.

  • Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start. The fuel filter screens out contaminants and can become clogged over time. This will prevent the injectors from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.

  • Contaminated Fuel: Fuel that has too much alcohol or water in it will result in a car that is difficult and often impossible to start. Even if it does start, contaminated fuel can do serious damage to the engine. If contaminated fuel is suspected, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the hard to start issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The starter, battery, connecting wiring and other important components will be inspected by the mechanic. This may include the vehicle's fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up the car to verify the problem and issue an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

If a car is hard to start, it's indicative of a major condition preventing normal operation and if left unattended it may lead to the car not starting at all. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(153)

Rating Summary
145
3
2
0
3
145
3
2
0
3

Jose

15 years of experience
213 reviews
Jose
15 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-4.6L - Car is not starting - Marietta, Georgia
I was very pleased with the services and availability of Your Mechanic, and the service fee is very reasonable. I asked for a mechanic to diagnose an intermittent problem - one of the toughest to diagnose. A mechanic was scheduled to come to my house on a Saturday within 2 hours of my call. The mechanic, Jose, arrived on time and was very smart and professional. Although my car started right away and ran fine while Jose was here, he tried to diagnose what might be happening intermittently - why the car sometimes runs rough or will not start. Jose asked good questions about the symptoms and what I did to try to repair the car. He also answered my questions to my satisfaction. I will definitely use Your Mechanic again.

Mark

11 years of experience
349 reviews
Mark
11 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-3.9L - Fuel Pump - San Jose, California
it was good was watchin him do the work

Jay

37 years of experience
948 reviews
Jay
37 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-4.6L - Car is not starting - Fontana, California
Jay is A VERY FRIENDLY( GENTLEMAN).he knows what he's doing.It was a pleasure to have him at my home

Patrick

33 years of experience
1412 reviews
Patrick
33 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V6-3.8L - Car is not starting - Austin, Texas
Patrick arrived before the scheduled appointment I was notified before he arrived. Patrick was very thourogh with his inspection of my vehicle and made me confident that he would do an excellent job.

Excellent Rating

(153)

Rating Summary
145
3
2
0
3
145
3
2
0
3
Number of Ford Thunderbird services completed
1683+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

P2016 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Low Bank 1
P2016 P2016 code definition Intake Manifold Runner Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Low Bank 1 What the P2016 code means P2016 is an OBD-II generic code for the Engine Control Module (ECM) detecting a low voltage failure in the intake manifold runner...
How to Replace an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Control Solenoid
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems are controlled by the EGR control solenoid, which is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM).
B2106 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle Position Input Out of Range High
B2106 trouble code means there's a range issue with the throttle position input in a 4WD system, caused by a damaged circuit in the 4WD system.

Car revs fast and accelerates by itself

The cruise control on this car has been recalled to fix a problem of accelerating when the cruise control is activated, and unable to control speed properly. If this is not be your problem, it could be something as simple...

Front suspension shaky.

You need to have the front lower control arms checked for worn out bushings and ball joint. The struts may be worn out also. The rear tires should be checked for balance or damage. I recommend having a qualified mechanic,...

Coolant leak that appears to come from the side of the head where the hose is going into the head. Exhaust separated from manifol

If the valve timing is off, due to a jumped or broken timing belt, that can lead to damage to the valves and pistons on the particular type of engine that you have (yours is a so-called "interference" engine). With...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com