unable to start after dead battery

Not sure if i have 1 or a number of problems. this is a 2002 ford windstar xl. 2 nights ago the brake lights came on draining the battery. recharge took place and now we have everything except ignition. lots of lights show-up on console including the blinking "theft" light and an u/k small blinking red light next to the "reset tire" button. is there the chance this passive anti theft system is in play; or am i possibly looking at a mechanical problem. we've had no major problems with the vehicle except recently this brake light issue. this was the 1st time the lights came on long after the vehicle was parked...usually it occured right after and was noticed right away.

Not sure if i have 1 or a number of problems. this is a 2002 ford windstar xl. 2 nights ago the brake lights came on draining the battery. recharge took place and now we have everything except ignition. lots of lights show-up on console including the blinking "theft" light and an u/k small blinking red light next to the "reset tire" button. is there the chance this passive anti theft system is in play; or am i possibly looking at a mechanical problem. we've had no major problems with the vehicle except recently this brake light issue. this was the 1st time the lights came on long after the vehicle was parked...usually it occured right after and was noticed right away.

If I understand correctly you think the battery is charged.

1) Does the engine crank?
2) Does the solenoid click?
3) Do the headlamps come on brightly?

1) Does the engine crank?
2) Does the solenoid click?
3) Do the headlamps come on brightly

no crank...
no solenoid click...maybe a soft and brief hum from under the hood.
and lots of headlights

1) Does the engine crank?
2) Does the solenoid click?
3) Do the headlamps come on brightly

no crank...
no solenoid click...maybe a soft and brief hum from under the hood.
and lots of headlights


Although I don't see why a drained battery could cause this I would check all wiring and connections to the solenoid and from the solenoid to the starter. Also check the engine ground.

As I said I doubt these but they are logical to check. It sounds like you have battery juice and the connection to the battery seem good based on the headlamp operation but check anyway.

Have you measured the battery voltage? It should be about 13.6 volts with no load on it.

Check to see that there isn't perhaps a fuse in the circuit that has blown.

Also, try cleaning the battery terminals...even if they look clean. If the dome light dims significantly when you engage the starter.....that would be the first thing that I would check. Also, perhaps try "jump" starting....just in case the battey is weak.

Try shifting the tranny into "N" and starting.
The start circuit goes through the "netral" switch on the transmission..... so you can start in Park or neutral only.....so give them both a try.

Those are 3 cheap suggestions.....

tried all that!
looks like it'll be towed monday morning.

I had some starting issues on my '99 once ... so I installed a "when-all else-fails jumper". One end is attached to the start solenoid terminal (small red connector) on the starter. Insulated wire, of course, perhaps 14 ga.

The other (bared) end I have folded over and pushed into a short length of scrap rubber hose ... just for protection ... and this is located near the battery. The jumper is tied securely with tie wraps so it won't end up in a fan or somewhere else not nice.

"When all else fails" and I can't get the engine to crank, I first make sure the tranny is in P or N... and key is "on"...then I remove the bare wire from it's nest and press it to the positive terminal of the battery. Varoom! Magic! This jumper is a real comfort on a Winnie.... for there are a number of electric gizmos that can keep the engine from cranking.


(By the way, I've had to replace the "start interrupt relay" more than once ... but that may not be your problem. You will find this relay listed in your glove box manual.)

I had that happen with my F-150..All I did was disconnect the negative terminal and connect it back..Started immediately..