Hello...I just waisted $75 for a diagnostic at Ford where they don't have a clue what is wrong with my car. Here is my issue. My car will randomly not start. Sometimes I turn the key and dash lights are on and all but it just won't crank. Another time I held the key forward and it sounded like it wound up to start. And today it did something totally different it started then died. Once I gave it some gas and reved it up it was fine. I have had the starter, alternator and battery extensively checked and all are good. Any thoughts? Please help!

Also if you give a suggestion could you please tell me a book or something that is good to tell me how to do what you tell me please??? I am a mechanical rookie but usually can accomplish what I try on cars.

I forgot to mention it is sometimes weeks before it will happen again after I get it started.

Your explanation is a bit confusing. You say it won't start, then say "it just won't crank". "Crank" refers to the crankshaft rotating. Does the starter always "crank" it over but the engine doesn't fire up or are there times when the starter won't "crank" the engine? Intermittent problems are the hardest to diagnose.

Your explanation is a bit confusing. You say it won't start, then say "it just won't crank". "Crank" refers to the crankshaft rotating. Does the starter always "crank" it over but the engine doesn't fire up or are there times when the starter won't "crank" the engine? Intermittent problems are the hardest to diagnose.

I guess the answer to the two part question is yes hehee. Most of the times I have had the problem I have turned the key to start the car and the car does nothing at all, no cranking nor does it seem to try to.

Now yesterday however it did crank and fired up but then died and did so several times until I gave it some gas to rev the engine up. After I did that it ran fine and started fine after that. This was the first time that happened, the other 10 or so times was what I described in the previous paragraph.

Hope this helps clear up my confusing lingo :)

i also have a 1999 taurus and your problem appears to be with the alarm system. your key should have a pill inside that allows your vehicle to start. when the ignition reads the pill it verifies that it is for your vehicle and it allows it to start. unfortunetly a ford dealer is the only way to have the keys programmed to the ignition pickup.

i also have a 1999 taurus and your problem appears to be with the alarm system. your key should have a pill inside that allows your vehicle to start. when the ignition reads the pill it verifies that it is for your vehicle and it allows it to start. unfortunetly a ford dealer is the only way to have the keys programmed to the ignition pickup.


My car doesn't use those type of keys. It also doesn't have a factory alarm on it. We did have an aftermarket alarm installed on it but we already suspected it and disabled it. The problem has continued after disableing as well.