'93 Taurus doesn't start

Hey,
I need some big help. Awhile ago my '93 Ford Taurus SHO decided not start. It began with some chugging before it finally turned over. Usually after you let it sit for some time it would start. Then I tried to start it after i got gas and that's when I couldn't start it anymore. What happens is when the key is turned, all the lights (headlights, battery light, oil light, etc.) go on along with the radio. I would really like some help as to how to fix it because it's my only means of transportation. If anyone has a clue what to due, i'd really appreciate it. :banghead:

Does the engine crank but just doesn't fire, or does the starter motor not even spin? Is it a 5-speed or automatic? If 5-speed, can you pop the clutch to start it and does it run?

If it cranks but won't fire (as your 3rd sentence might imply) then you need to determine if you have good spark and fuel pressure. Do you have any old spark plugs lying around by chance?

I used to have a '93 SHO that I spent quite a bit of time working on. Usually preventive, rarely anything necessary. You wouldn't happen to be near the Cedar Rapids, IA area, would you? I'd be willing to help out in person if you are.

-Rod

The starter motor doesn't even fire, and it is an automatic. I don't think I have any extra ones, but i may be able to go get a new one. I don't know if it will do anything, but it's worth a try. (I should've added that now it doesn't start at all even after it sits). I'm more in the central wisconsin region. Let me know if any of this helps.

PS I meant spark plugs at second sentence just to avoid confusion.

If the starter motor doesn't even turn the engine over, at this point there's no point in getting a test spark plug or looking in that direction. You need to get the starter motor working first.

If you attempt to start the engine with a door open, what does the interior light do while the key is held in the "Start" position? If it gets very dim, you may have a weak or bad battery. Get the battery load tested.

If the battery passes the load test with margin, chances are pretty good the starter is your problem. The starter motor is at the lower center front of the engine, on the block behind the radiator. You may want to try tapping on the motor housing with a blunt object (mallet, umbrella handle, whatever you have handy) then try to start it.

If that causes it to crank the engine, then you probably need a new/rebuilt starter. If not, have someone hold the key in the start position while you tap the starter, being aware of any potentially moving parts around you (belts, cooling fans, etc.). If the starter motor attempts to spin over once in awhile while you're tapping the starter housing, I'd definitely suspect the starter motor, but make sure the cables are clean and tight at the starter anyway.

You can also check for good voltage at the starter while someone holds the key in the "start" position to be almost absolutely positive the starter motor is bad.

If you are reasonably mechanical, you can probably change the starter without much difficulty. I changed the starter on my former '93 SHO in the Autozone parking lot once with a floor jack, stands, and what I could fit in a tool box.

-Rod

Thanks for the info. I was having the same problem. Car would run fine and then nothing would happen, except the lights would be on and the dash would light, but when I would try and crank it and the lights would dim but nothing else. The out of the blue it would start occasionally, read what you guys wrote, tried hitting the starter, cranked right up, changed out the starter, and runs great now. By the way I have a 97 Ford Taurus with 150,000 miles on it. Good luck to everyone else with their cars. Thanks again.