Car will not start?

DEBBIE STROM JENSEN

MEMBER
2005 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
4.6L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

The last few times we drove our vehicle we had to charge it. Last week we drove it to the store after charging the battery. When we went to leave the store, the car wouldn’t turn over. Someone came by with a 200-volt battery charger and tried jumping it. He was able to get it to turn over but not start. From there it stopped turning over and began making a clicking noise.

After towing it home, it did not turn over at all, however, the lights etc in the car still come on. So, we pulled the starter and noticed that the wire between the solenoid and body was broken so we repaired it and then reinstalled the starter.

At this point we recharged the battery, and the engine turns over for a moment then quickly loses power and won't turn over again.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

~Debbie

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

If someone put 200v to it, I'm surprised it didn't catch fire. First, I would have the battery load tested to confirm it is good. Most parts stores will do it free of charge.

Next, see i it makes a difference if you try starting it in neutral rather than park.

If that doesn't change it, I need you to check fuses 12 and 23 in the under-hood fuse box. Make sure they are in good condition. Also, switch the starter relay in the same fuse box with a different one having the same part number.

I attached a couple pics below. Tell me which wire was repaired at the starter. Was it the green one? See pic 1. Pic 2 shows the fuse box. I highlighted what to check.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)