Car won't start without jump

2001 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
146,000 MILES
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KATO12
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
3 weeks ago car died; replaced battery and corroded cables. Worked fine for 3 weeks. Started today, then tonight wouldn't even turn over. Then jump started OK.
Sep 26, 2011 at 6:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
When it doesn't start, have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire to the starter. There should be 12 volts only in the start position. If you have that, chances are the starter is going bad.
Sep 26, 2011 at 6:21 PM
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SATURNTECH9
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one i wouldnt rule out the possibilty of a bad alternator since it started with a jump start.Also wouldnt rule out a bad battery or bad connection.
Sep 26, 2011 at 6:33 PM
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