2002 Taurus No Start

I have a 2002 Ford Taurus 3.0, Wnet to work last week, stopped to get gas, after re-fueling, went to start up, and nothing. Completley dead, turned on the lights and were very dim. Would just click. So it needed a battery, installed new battery and cleaned terminals. Ran fine for about a week, went to go to work today and again nothing. Checked all fuses and tried swapping relays, still nothing. Would not even try to turn over. When turning the key on, can hear the starter engauging. But nothing turning over. Had wife try to turn key to run while I hit the starter with a hammer. After about 5 tries it finally started. Let it run for about 5 minutes. Shut vehicle off, tried to restart it, and again nothing.....Starter?? Wiring???

Welcome to the forum!

So the first time you experienced this the lights were dim. Were the lights dim this time as well? When you could hear the starter engaging were you getting a single click or a rapid series of clicks? If a single click, the starter might be engaging but for some reason the starter motor isn't spinning (solenoid or motor winding/brush issue). If a rapid series of clicks, then there is still a low voltage/low current issue.

-Rod