When I turn my key to start, the starter does not engage?

Tiny
KNOWSG2
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
When I turn my key to start, the starter doesn't engage. Could it be a neutral safety switch? Bad ground? Bad battery cables? I have owned this car for 8 months.
Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 9:39 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,135 POSTS
Most of the time it will be a bad battery, do the lights go out when you crank the car over or does it make a rapid clicking sound? Please go over this video to help us fix the problem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY&t

Try to crank the engine over in neutral to confirm the neutral safety switch failure. Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
KNOWSG2
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Got it figured out earlier today, it was the safety interlock switch that was telling the ECU to not actuate the starter. My e brake was on.
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,135 POSTS
So to confirm the car has not cranking because the e brake was on?
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Thursday, March 6th, 2025 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
KNOWSG2
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yep, correct, would not start with the E-Brake on.
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Thursday, March 6th, 2025 AT 8:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,135 POSTS
It must be a safety device. Thanks for letting us know :)
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Friday, March 7th, 2025 AT 8:56 AM

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