'96 Taurus won't start

My 96 Taurus died with no warning yesterday. Well, I've noticed the lights looked a little dimmer but that's about it. When I turn on the engine all I get is an empty click kind of sound. The lights come on for about a second then goes off.


I dunno if this matters but, I hear a sound coming from my cassette deck, its the sound it makes when you put the tape in & its about to play....it makes that sound even when I have the ignition turned off. But when I press the brakes, it stops & starts again when I release. I just thght that was weird....

So should I get a new battery or is the starter or maybe something else? I don't know much about cars so please help me out!

At least take the battery and have it tested. if it is low, it will not test good. As inexpensive as batteries are, it may be a good investment anyway. After that, have the alternator and charging system tested for proper operation. If this does not cure the problem, please re-post.

I replaced the battery & the car started right up, with no problems. I'm still gonna get the alternator & starter checked out just to be on the safe side.