1997 Ford Taurus repair problem

1997 FORD TAURUS
180,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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I have a 97 ford taurus and i can turn my ignition switch and no sound....but there is a clicking sound that seems to come from my fuse box what do you think the problem may be?
Sep 25, 2014 at 5:54 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Do all other electrical components work? Have you checked the starter relay? Are you sure the battery is good? Have you checked for power to the starter when you try to start it?
Sep 25, 2014 at 5:59 PM
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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How do I check the starter relay? And i got the battery about 2 months ago
Sep 25, 2014 at 6:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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First, check battery terminals and make sure they are clean and tight. If they are, where you hear the clicking coming from is most likely where the relay is located. Just switch it with a different relay from the box that has the same part number and try to start it. If that doesn't work, have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire on the starter. You should get 12v.

Let me know what you find. Also, keep in mind even a new battery can go bad.
Sep 25, 2014 at 6:12 PM
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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About the terminals I have two different terminals I replaced the positive terminal and the negative is the same older one long story about that! I will check everything out first thing in the morning and we will go from there
Thanks
Sep 25, 2014 at 6:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I'll look for your reply. When checking the battery terminals, make sure the ground is in good shape and is clean and tight where it bolts to the engine block.
Sep 25, 2014 at 6:56 PM
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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I jumped the car off but it did not start right then...I had to wait and let my other vehicle run while the cables were hooked up but I got my 97 ford taurus then it finally started so what would you say that problem was?
Sep 28, 2014 at 1:50 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the other car had to run, it sounds like you have a dead battery. The other car's alternator will put a charge into your battery. Has it been checked? If the battery is good, have you checked to make sure the alternator is putting out power to recharge your present battery?
Sep 28, 2014 at 7:14 PM
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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I have not had the battery checked yet and how do I check the alternator to see if it is putting out power to recharge the battery?
Sep 29, 2014 at 4:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The first thing we need to check is the battery. Remove it, fully charge it, and have it load tested at a local parts store. Most will do it for free. If it is good, then check the following:

http://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know what you find.
Sep 29, 2014 at 5:17 AM
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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That helped out! Thanks but I also have another problem my gas light comes on when I have gas in the car and the needle goes all the way to empty....but once I get up the road the gas light goes out and the needle goes back up and this is on my 97 ford taurus
Oct 2, 2014 at 5:57 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Has the starting issue been resolved?

As far as the fuel gauge, it could be a few things. A ground, body control module, bad rheostat on the sending unit... It would be something that needs to be checked one thing at a time.
Oct 2, 2014 at 5:56 PM
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LORENZAANSTEAD
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I've been driving it the last few days and I have not noticed the problem anymore
Oct 5, 2014 at 5:10 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That's a good thing! Let me know if you have other questions.
Oct 7, 2014 at 5:21 AM