2003 Taurus Intermittent Starting Issues

Tiny
LEOGAL33
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD TAURUS
I just bought a 2003 Ford Taurus SE, 120,000 miles, but it was well taken care of. Regular oil changes, etc.

In the past few days, I've had a problem with it starting at times. It always cranks, but sometimes it grinds for a minute b4 it will start. Don't think it's a battery, but might be the start of a starter or solenoid issue.

Not that this has anything to do with it, but it started just after going to a car wash. Grasping at straws here. It just started happening all of a sudden.

Any help or suggestions would be great!
Monday, October 8th, 2007 AT 7:34 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
You need to replace the starter, the starter overrunning clutch is slipping or bad drive pinion.

Before you replace it inspect the flywheel/flexplate ring gear for damages.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
LEOGAL33
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
When I went to start my car after work, it did the grinding thing again and I did not think it would start. It did finally turn over and a small puff of white smoke came from under the hood. When I checked it out, it smelled of burnt plastic. The smoke came from the drivers side up near where the transmission fluid and brake fluid is added near where the ignition is, I would guess.

I took it to the shop to see what is wrong. The smoke was a little unexpected.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM

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