Car won't start

HJSTODDARD

MEMBER
FORD WINDSTAR

I have a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis GS, a little over 100,000 miles. Recently I have had a problem starting my car. I took it to Walmart to have the battery tested and he said my battery needed to be replaced, he also told me my alternator was fine. Fortuneately I was still under warranty because I got my battery there. He replaced it and when I got to my car it wouldn't start again. I went back to talk to the guy again and he conveniently forgot to mention that I also needed a car starter. Every time this happens, the car makes no engine noises or anything. I have had to get a jump twice and both times it worked instantly. I was hoping someone could explain my problem to me, I don't really understand the starter situation and don't want to spend the money if it isn't necessary!

6 Replies

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

Please explain step by step from the time you turn the key and what happens when you jump the car off. Let me know

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Saturday, May 13th, 2006 AT 2:30 PM

HJSTODDARD

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The first time it happened, I had just gotten home from work and had to go back out. I turned the key and nothing, it sounded like there was a click in the engine or something. At that point my dad hooked up his car charger overnight and charged the battery. It started fine the next morning and was ok for a few days. Today I found that if I turn the key and keep it turned the car slowly starts. When I left the house, it started after a few tries. When I left the store, it took several tries and finally keeping it turned it started. When I turn the key and release, it makes a click sound but no real engine noises. If you need more of an explaination let me know. Thank You.

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Saturday, May 13th, 2006 AT 10:53 PM

LOSONE

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You have a classic dead battery problem that is either caused by a bad battery, bad alternator or voltage regulator. Take it to a shop and have the alternator tested, I think you will find out it is the problem.

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Sunday, May 14th, 2006 AT 7:10 AM

HJSTODDARD

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Actually the guy at Walmart tested the alternator, and he said it was fine. Could it be the starter? It hasn't happened in a few days, so I cross my fingers every time I try to start it, and it works, ha ha!

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Tuesday, May 16th, 2006 AT 11:17 AM

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

I wish I was standing there, I could tell you. Ford starters circuits are known to be trouble prone. It could be the starter or the starter solonoind which is located on the fender well, starter side. Let me know