2001 Ford Taurus wont start.... Details!?

Question

I parked my car at the store about 2 weeks ago..... Came out and the car did not start. No clicks, nothing. Tried to jump it off and nothing happened. I went back the next day to try jumping it again... nothing.... but this time I left the jumper cables on for about 20 minutes. The car started up. No problems until 2 days ago. Stopped to get gas. Paid. Came back out and my car wouldnt start again. So I tried jumping it off for 20 minutes again and got nothing. I have a battery charger/tester and it says the battery is full and its good. Alternator was just replaced 2 months ago, so Im ruling that out as well. Cables are good. I checked ground wires already. It seems like something is draining the power. Because not only does it not start, but none of the lights or anything electrical is working. But occasionally it will get enough pwer to turn on the clock or a dome light when I open the door. So then I try to start it but nothing happens and everything shuts off again.

I have no aftermarket products installed in the car.... So dont suggest that. Im thinking I want to change the starter motor relay in the fuse box first. And maybe the solenoid if that doesnt work. I have no idea. Im stumped and frustrated. I also dont have the money to try random parts as Im already pretty much in debt, so if Im going to try something I want to get it done right the first time. Any Idea what could be drawing the power?

Answer 1

If you want the problem diagnosed properly take the car to a dealer and for around 100 bucks they will tell you what the problem is.It sound like the battery is bad, Disconnect it and put it on a charger to give it an equalizing charge and take it to the dealer and have the cold cranking amps tested.Remember that the testers at the auto parts stores do not do a through test and the people that work there are not trained to use the testers fully.

Answer 2

As others said, check the battery terminals.. they are famous for hairline cracking at the terminal and causing problems such as this... (you will have to remove the terminal and inspect for the cracking in the area that goes around the battery terminal).. this is for factory clamps.... non factory have a habit of the screws backing out and causing a intermittant connection

If the battery is good and full, that to me would rule out battery (depends upon the tester you have, you need one that will put the battery under a real load or can check the battery for Cold Crank amps.. don't use the cheap battery testers at walmart that only load the battery to about 100 amps), battery drainage (as the battery shows good, and unless you had a short at the alternator, battery wouldn't go dead) and alternator.

I would also check the positive cable from the battery to the fuse box under the hood. That fuse box powers most stuff on the car including the redundant starter relay)

My guess is a battery terminal by the descriptions.. however

If not,please give more info

thanks

Answer 3

2001 Ford Taurus Problems Starting

Answer 4

Take the positive cable loose and pull it off the terminal. Place the cable back on the positive pole, if you get a good spark, you have a power source draining your battery. You basically rulled out the battery and all, now it is time to check further. Check all your lights, dome, dash, trunk, engine hood, etc.. Any of these could be staying on and draining.

Answer 5

Battery posts can crack inside, so it works if you wiggle it. Your jumper cables weren't big enough to start the car but were big enough to charge the battery.
Charger/conditioners don't really tell you anything.
You need someone who can use a multimeter. He can tell you how much current is being drawn and if your alternator is ok, (being new don't mean diddly)

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

It could be your ignition is bad.