1994 Mercury Sable Intermittent No Crank

1994 MERCURY SABLE
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WENDYSMITH
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  • 1 POST
Hi, I have the million dollar car(thats what its cost so far!!) I think its the starter or solenoid now.Turn key on sometimes it rolls over sometimes not.Is that what it is?? I have heard if you tap with hammer is this true or will I break something else?? Can you tell me where all this stuff is.I have looked for pictures of this motor (3.8 litre) but can't find any.Females need pictures! Thanks for your help. :D
Jan 28, 2006 at 3:30 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
Have you had your battery checked and load tested? Are the positive and negative terminals claen and not corroded?
If they are checked out o.k.then move on to the solenoid usually located on the same side of the battery attached to the inner fender under the hood a bad solenoid would not turn the starter or just click when you turn the key in the ignition.
If the engine truns over slowly it may be the battery.
Jan 28, 2006 at 1:29 PM
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GREASEMUNKE
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  • 35 POSTS
The idea of hitting with a hammer is true.Only problem is you would have to be able to get to it with a hammer which may be problem.Try using a long 3/8 drive extension.You would have to turn the key while hitting the solenoid.In your case your solenoid is probably atached to your starter.IT looks like a cylinder with a small cylinder attached to it.The small cylinder would be your solenoid.Look up pictures if you have too.If it turns over while hitting it then just replace the starter.
Jan 29, 2006 at 5:53 AM
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Suggested Repair

Load-test the battery and clean any corroded terminals. If the battery checks out, inspect the starter solenoid (often mounted on the starter). A careful tap on the solenoid with a long extension while turning the key can confirm a failing starter; if the engine then cranks, replace the starter.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 Mercury Sable 3.8L reports intermittent cranking and suspects the starter or solenoid, also asking whether tapping it with a hammer is safe and where the parts are. One reply advises checking and load-testing the battery and cleaning the terminals first, then checking the solenoid if those are fine. Another confirms a tap test can work if the solenoid is reachable, describes it as the small cylinder on the starter, and says to replace the starter if cranking occurs while tapping.

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