1993 Mercury Sable No Start Battery Light

Avatar
BABYBAITS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I just purchased a 1993 Mercury Sable 3.8. I'm going to try my best to describe any problems (my husband is the one who knows the right names). The belt on the alternator was squeaking badly. My husband tightened the pulleys and he realized later that they became loose again. He also realized that the battery light was coming on (this is a new battery). When he shut off the lights, radio, and heater the battery light would go off. Somehow he realized that when the car was running and he took one of the battery cables off, the squeaking would stop. All this made him think that we need a new alternator. Now first would you agree with that? Anyway when he went to start the car up it wouldn't start. We heard clicking from the computer but know thats its not that (tested it on our other sable and it worked). Could the car not be starting because of the alternator?
Feb 13, 2007 at 3:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
GARFIELD
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 197 POSTS
It does sound like your alternator is bad.
Feb 13, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,123 POSTS
I agree with the probablity of the alternater. Squeaking may or may not be the alternater. The clicking is probably the relay not the computer and not that it matters. Battery will need re-charging.
Feb 14, 2007 at 11:42 AM

Suggested Repair

Test and likely replace the alternator, then fully recharge the battery. Treat the belt squeak separately if it continues, and check the starter relay if clicking persists.

Conversation Summary

A 1993 Mercury Sable 3.8 had a squeaking alternator belt, pulleys that loosened after tightening, and a battery light that came on under electrical load despite a new battery. The squeak stopped when a battery cable was removed while running, and the car later would not start, with clicking that was not from the computer. Experts said the alternator is likely bad, the squeak may have another cause, the clicking is probably a relay, and the battery needs recharging.

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle