Why Won't 93 Taurus Start (Dead, No Sound, Lights, Etc.), But DOES Start If Jumped?

Question

With no prior symptoms of a battery or electrical problem, I got into my 93 Taurus GL 3.0 V-6 last night outside of a store where I had parked it, and attempted to start it. It was stone dead, no click, no cranking sound, no lights, no instruments, no radio, no fuel pump sound, no nothing. It was as though the battery had been removed from the vehicle. I had a friend show up with jumper cables, and the car started and ran when jumped, although the clock, radio settings, etc. had all been zeroed out. I drove it home where I swapped out the battery for a compatible good one I had in another vehicle. When I opened the door to get into the Taurus, the interior overhead light went on. But when I inserted the key and tried to start it, everything instantly went stone dead again. This is with the good replacement battery. I put the "old" battery back in, jump started it and it ran fine. Any ideas as to what my problem is?

Answer 1

I'm assuming your battery cables are clean, so I would trace the cable from the starter relay down to the starter and make sure it is clean and tight. You didn't specify if the car went dead with the key in the run position or the start position. If it went dead before the key was turned all the way to start, you may have a bad ignition switch. If it went dead in the start position, it's probably your cable connections on the starter.

Answer 2

Apparently everybody ignores the fact that it is mentioned in the text that they jumped the car but placed the cables backwards, if you guys when to school and actually read the book it says the answer to this question, Misplacing jumping cables may burn the ECU, fuses, alternator in one or both vehicles, the sparks may ignite the gases around the battery, and I can't remember more things that can happen maybe somebody can add ideas, also check for corrosion around terminals and cables, check if the battery is leaking acid, I hope it is only the battery but if you get a new battery and it runs out power again the check the alternator, if it was a fuse it wouldn't start at all, if it was the spark plugs you'll be getting a rough idle, I wish you the best.

Answer 3

I've had nasty starters behave in the same way with the same symptoms on more than a couple of different cars.... if you try everything else, consider replacing the starter even if it tests okay at the auto places.... in my cases there was a short in the starter that drew the battery current away from everything else anytime I would try to start it.

Answer 4

Scale or corrosion on the inside of the battery cable terminal is restricting voltage flow.

Spend $5.00 on a battery post/terminal cleaner from an auto parts store.

Answer 5

Try replacing the ignition module. The Ford Taurus is famous for them going out and they do create the symptoms that you are describing. If that doesn't help, try buying a Chevy.

Answer 6

there could be many problems like 1 your voltage regulator could be fried,2 you could have something drainning the battery,3 the wire that come off the battery could be bad like a fray or gouge best bet take to a mechanic that specializes in electrical problems.

Answer 7

sound like the starter solenoid is playing with You.

try to start the vehicle with the "old" battery fully recharge.


check the battery terminals for sulpha.

Answer 8

Replace the battery with a new battery, not a used battery.

Answer 9

The battery connectors are dirty and corroded. Clean em up and tighten them down right.

Answer 10

I agree with Mr Know