1982 Ford Fairmont Pricing and Specs

You might have two problems here; the misfire and stalling as well as the car not turning over on the key sometimes. A diagnostic check with either an auto electrician or somebody who’s an expert in Fords of this type and vintage should be your next step.

The problem could be something wrong with the fuel or ignition system, or even something fundamental like a poor earth connection somewhere on the car. Modern cars can show up some really odd, intermittent problems thanks to a bad earth. But don’t rule out other obvious stuff like the car’s battery condition or the leads that connect it to the rest of the vehicle.

If the key is lost forever, you can obtain a new key. But you will need to use either a Ford dealership of an automotive locksmith to have the replacement cut and coded to suit the car. You’ll also need to provide proof of ownership (registration papers or insurance policy) and the car’s VIN.

You can buy blank keys online, but any locksmith will also be able to provide the new blank as part of the service.

The problem could be to do with the ignition barrel, or it could be a hundred other things including a poor earth somewhere on the car. But my experience with Fords of this vintage suggests the first place I’d look would be what’s called the inhibitor switch.

This is a small switch that tells the car whether the transmission is in Park or Neutral before allowing the engine to turn over or start. If this switch isn’t relaying that information, the engine won’t so much as budge. And the fault is often intermittent.

So, try this. Instead of trying to start the car in Park, move the selector to Neutral and hit the key again. Often the inhibitor switch that isn’t recognising Park will still detect Neutral and you’ll be on your way.