2000 windstar intermittent start

[Thomas p]

Vehicle will not start sometimes. I think it has something to do with the nuetral safety switch because it acts the same as when you would try to start it in gear. I tried to start it in each gear to try to duplicate the problem and it acts the same. Starter does not turn during no start. Read some other threads concerning this issue and the answer seemed to be fuel pump relay. Any ideas would be great. I am thinking nuetral safety switch or maybe starter interrupt relay? Thanks in advance for your help.......Thomas.P.

[12Ounce]

The fuel pump relay will not prevent the starter from cranking the engine.

The other items you mentioned, neutral switch (Transmission Digital Range Sensor ... I think) and the starter interrupt relay, are both good candidates. Unfortunately, there are other candidates ... loose/corroded connections, the starter motor, etc.

Do you have a multi-meter? If so, you can search and find what is "open".

Or, ... you can install a temporary jumper from the small terminal on the starter to somewhere safe near battery. When you get a "no crank", with tranny in Park and key "on'; push the jumper end onto the battery + post. I have such an (insulated) jumper permanently installed.... fastened to the small starter terminal on one end, the other bare end in a protective sleeve behind the battery.