'96 Taurus won't start

[love_hate]

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!

[way2old]

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.

[love_hate]

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.