I have a friend who just bought a car. its a 1993 Ford Taurus. she says everything in the car works, headlights, radio, clock all power options are working but the car wont start.

she said when she turns the key it just clicks once and thats it. no signs of starting. my best guess would be the starter. i asked her if she had some kind of an alarm system that may have got messed up and she does not.

any suggestions on the problem would be great

thanks a bunch guys.

Does the vehicle turn over good with a jump? The first thing I would check, is the charge in the battery. Anybody have a voltmeter? Take the cables loose on both ends, give them a good cleaning, snug them up.

I'm not saying it can't be the starter, but start with the basics and work your way down.

I agree with both of you. Start with the battery, and measure the voltage on the battery. If you have good voltage, including during a start attempt (voltage does not immediately drop below 9.5 Vdc during start attempt), then the starter is a good suspect. You could also attempt to turn the engine over from the crankshaft to make sure the engine isn't seized.

Did the car ever start for her, or did she buy it in this condition?

-Rod

I agree with both of you. Start with the battery, and measure the voltage on the battery. If you have good voltage, including during a start attempt (voltage does not immediately drop below 9.5 Vdc during start attempt), then the starter is a good suspect. You could also attempt to turn the engine over from the crankshaft to make sure the engine isn't seized.

Did the car ever start for her, or did she buy it in this condition?

-Rod


she did not buy it this way it just recently happened. ill try out the batery and see what its like thanks guys

Try tapping the starter with a hammer. As the bushings in the starter motor may bind. If tapping it makes it work, then it is time for a replacement.