1998 Mercury Sable Ignition

MR_BIGZ1985

MEMBER
1998 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
149,000 MILES

I have a problem with my 98 mercury sable.I recently just installed a 1100 watt Amp with 2 12" subwoofers and a cd player that did not come factory installed.
I don't believe that is a cause of my problems but I believe it potentially may affect it.
As soon as I put my key into the ignition and turn it. It is like I stick a pole into a hole and twist it left and right. There is no resistance to crank it and it wont turn on. So me and my buddy unhooked my battery to save it from being drained and left it in my office parking lot. Is this something I could fix? Or would I be better off at letting a professional repair it. The is the first time this happened, I turned it and my battery had power, and my headlights came on and everything. Is this an ignition problem? And if so what does it sound like?I turned on my CD player as well and it played music also.
Is it a wiring problem or does this sound more like an ignition problem?

3 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok first how was the stereo system installed? Meaning did you go get the proper radio harness adapter or did you just cut and wire direct?
Does the car start or will it crank over at all? Do you mean that when you put the key in the ignition that it turns freely and won't turn the engine over but all the electrical comes on or? Get back to me so I can try to better help you ok. If it is an ignition switch you can probably replace it your self with some guidence.

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 10:39 AM

MR_BIGZ1985

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Ok first how was the stereo system installed?
All of the wires and stuff were matched up accordingly
Meaning did you go get the proper radio harness adapter or did you just cut and wire direct?
Yes. I got a proper radio harness and everything
Does the car start or will it crank over at all?
The car does not start nor will crank over. Only electric comes on
Do you mean that when you put the key in the ignition that it turns freely and won't turn the engine over but all the electrical comes on or?
Yes I put the key in and it turns freely and the engine won't turn.

Thanks

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 10:48 AM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

It sounds like the ignition switch is the problem. Now you can buy the switch at your local parts store and it is easy to put in but you will not be able to program the key so the car will start again. So what I am saying is that you need to take it to the dealer for the installation of the key and tumbler so they can hook up there scanner to reprogramm the new key's so the car can start again.

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 11:10 AM