1999 Mercury Sable Starter fails to turn Engine

SABLEOWNER

MEMBER
1999 MERCURY SABLE

Engine problem
1999 Mercury Sable 95,000 miles

Last night I returned to Iowa from 400 mile trip to Minnesota. Car ran fine all day yesterday on the trip. We ended the last 25 miles driving on E. When I went to start the car I turned the key and all I heard was a single tick or click noise. No sound of the engine turning or anything. The electronics still work inside, so the batter doesn't seem to be the problem. I haven't put more fuel in the car because I have to walk quite a way to get fuel and it's about 10 degrees. I am wondering though why the starter would not even attempt to turn the engine. I would think that the starter would attempt to turn the engine regardless of how much fuel is in the tank. Your help would be much appreciated. Hoping I just need to put more fuel in it, but I'm afraid that's not the main problem. -Thanks

1 Reply

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

If its fuel problem the engine will crank but end result will be no start
what you describing sounds like a starter or battery problem
this is what I would do
check and makes sure the battery if full and in good condition
plus the terminals are OK and tight
check the wires on the starter
you have two wires on the starter
check them both making sure small wire making good connection