my wife has a 2000 TL. tonight she got in and tried to crank her car and it did nothing. the lights and radio came on but the car would not crank. after a couple of tries it finally started, this has happened about 3 times already. when she turns the key it doesn't even roll over likes it trying to start. any help as to what it could be would be highly appreciated. Could it be her starter going out?

 

i had this problem in a 93 taurus. turned out to be corroded battery cables. the interior lights and radio and everything would turn on but the starter couldn't get sufficient juice.

first things first. check the battery voltage. if its around 11-12V you're ok.

do you hear a clicking noise from the engine when you turn the key? if so the starter and solenoid are definitely getting juice and the starter motor is likely degraded (the solenoid makes the clicking noise as it gives power to the starter motor).

if you don't hear a clicking then you may want to get under the car with a voltmeter and check the solenoid terminals to see if it's getting voltage from the battery. if it's not then the battery cables are suspect.

if it *is* getting power but not cranking the engine then the starter likely needs replacing.

did i make sense or confuse you more?

SSTS

 

Excellent suggestions by SSTS.

A faulty ignition switch could also be a possibility.

Bob

 

Had this same problem. It could be your starter. I just hit my starter with a hammer and took it to a shop to get the starter changed. Don't hit the starter that hard tho...