1998 Mercury Sable Ghost is under my hood

DANSAW

MEMBER
1998 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
127,000 MILES

When I attempt to turn my car on.I hear only a clicking sound coming from under the hood. My friend tried to give me a jump but I don't think the battery is bad because the lights come on (and look strong) and my radio plays. My uncle thinks it could be the starter solenoid but when the car finally turned over today. When I got it home (as the engine was running) it just stopped. My uncle thinks it could also be a bad injector, fuel filter, or gas pump issue. What do you think?

Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 6:46 PM

1 Reply

RENAUDTN

MECHANIC
636 POSTS

The clicking sound you heard was probably the solenoid.
Although your battery may seem strong, it doesn't mean that it is; the only way to know is to have it tested at an autopart store.

I don't think your problem is the fuel filter or fuel pump; check your battery cables for corrosion and make sure they're not loose at the battery/solenoid/starter. Also check your ignition switch; if it's loose it could result in your car turning off.
If you have a digital voltmeter and feel confident about doing more in depth tests, let me know and we can do more troubleshooting. If not, have a mechanic to look at the starting system

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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 AT 12:53 PM