2004 Mercury Sable car won't start

KHARGIS

MEMBER
2004 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
103,400 MILES

My car will not start, the battery is fairly new only 13 months old. When I try to start the car it just makes clicking noises. It worked fine this morning but now this evening it won't even start. My friend tried to jump it (when we thought it was the battery) but it still didn't start. He suggests that maybe it's the alternator but I want to make sure that all other possibilities have been considered before I spend money on a new alternator.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

The clicking indicates a low battery. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Also, if you have a battery charger, recharge the battery. Finally, the alternator wouldn't cause the jump starting not to work. Don't replace it until we get it running and can have it properly tested. It could cause the battery to go dead (if bad) but not stop the jump start. THat is why I'm thinking there is a bad connection.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

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Saturday, April 10th, 2010 AT 11:32 PM

KHARGIS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ok, well all of the battery connections are clean and tight, the spark plugs and wires are in good condition too. I checked the fuses also while battery was disconnected and they are in good condition too. I charged the battery and later tried to start the car. The engine still won't crank, the radio and lights come on but no start up. Could this be problem with the starter?

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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 6:21 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

It could be the starter, starter relay, igninion switch.

I have another test. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage to the smaller wire on the starter. You should have 12+ volts in the start position. IF you do, the starter is bad.

Let me know what you find. Bear with me. We are going to work backwards from the starter.

Joe

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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 10:22 PM

KHARGIS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

That did the trick, like you said the starter was bad. After replacing it with a new starter, the car started up and everything is now working good. Thank you Joe. You stuck in there with me, and that I appreciate very much.

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Sunday, April 11th, 2010 AT 10:30 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS