Dear Jim,

I recently bought a 1994 Ford Thunderbird (3.8L, V6). For a few weeks, I had no problems with this car, but now it won't start at all.

The engine won't even turn over when I turn the key, even though the battery is brand new. The battery cable connections seem fine, too. Am I having an ignition problem?

-- Luis Perez

The trouble is more likely down on the floor, bro. You were starting this car fine for a few weeks, so you already know that on a '94 T-bird, you have to press down that brake pedal in order to fire up the engine.

There's a switch in the pedal that gives power to the starter. Some cars have it in the brake, some have it in the clutch, but it's the same idea. I'm guessing this switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced.

The thing is, you can't be sure of that yet, so I'll tell you a little about troubleshooting a starting problem like the one you're having. Whatever vehicle you're driving, you need to begin with the battery. Have it checked to make sure it's actually carrying a charge.

Next, make sure there's nothing drawing energy off the battery when it should be resting.

With the car off and the doors closed, you or a mechanic can disconnect the battery cable from the positive terminal and put a volt meter between the two, so you can tell if there's still a power drain that shouldn't be there.

If the battery is charged and there's nothing drawing from it, it's time to have the starter itself checked.

If it does turn out the starter itself has gone bad, you need to check the health of the car's charging system.

When the car's running, the battery should be getting anywhere from 13.8 to 14.2 volts from the alternator. Anything less means undercharging, which means low amperage from the battery, which means excessive heat, and heat tends to burn out starters.

As I said, bro, it's most likely the brake switch that's the problem. If it's not, now you know a few more possibilities to check.

Tip of the Week:

Drivers, you may never have to change the axle lubricant (a specially formulated oil) in your car or truck, but then again, you might. When axles are submerged in water, the lube gets ruined. If you're in a pickup or SUV, get the level checked with every oil change, especially if you pull a boat.

Buffalo Jim, owner of Allstate Auto & Marine Repair in Las Vegas, writes a weekly column. Send your automotive questions to him at buffalojim@lasvegasniftynickel.com. If Jim picks your question to answer in Nuts & Bolts, you'll also be the proud recipient of a deck of official Buffalo Jim playing cards, presented in a classy, tin box bearing his hairy image.