hard starting

97 taurus, runs great, idles smooth, but getting progressively harder to start. Sometimes have to turn it over 20 seconds before it kicks in, then it will still hesitate, or quit. Once it's running, it's fine.

Since it runs fine, I've eliminated the possibility of a bad fuel pump or filter.

You have to step on the brake to get the starter circut engaged. I'm assuming that switch either works or doesn't. Could it be possible that it would engage the starter, but not the 'coil'?

I'd suggest starting by making sure the battery cables are clean and tight. Don't just look at them, but pull them both off the battery and clean any corrosion that is present. If the corrosion wicks up the battery cable, replace the cable with a new OEM style cable. Don't use the bolt on ends which are only intended as temporary replacements.

If the cables are clean and tight, then check the spark plugs. When's the last time the car has had a tune up (which should include a fuel filter)?

It's usually this point where the original poster realizes, "Oh, I just put new plugs and wires on just before this started" so I'll pause here and let you inform us what maintenance you have done recently and what troubleshooting has been performed for this issue.

By the way, you should still verify that your fuel pressure is good. Just because the car will run fine doesn't mean the fuel pressure is what it should be. Get a fuel pressure guage and, after the car has been sitting for half an hour or more, turn the key to the Run position and see what the fuel pressure reads.

-Rod