When I turn my key to start, the starter does not engage?

2004 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS
220,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KNOWSG2
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When i turn my key to start, the starter doesn't engage. Could it be a neutral safety switch? Bad ground? Bad battery cables? I have owned this car for 8 months.
Mar 5, 2025 at 9:39 AM
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STRAILER
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Most of the time it will be a bad battery, do the lights go out when you crank the car over or does it make a rapid clicking sound? Please go over this video to help us fix the problem:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY&t

Try to crank the engine over in neutral to confirm the neutral safety switch failure. Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
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KNOWSG2
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Got it figured out earlier today, it was the safety interlock switch that was telling the ECU to not actuate the starter. My e brake was on.
Mar 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
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STRAILER
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So to confirm the car has not cranking because the e brake was on?
Mar 6, 2025 at 8:48 AM
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KNOWSG2
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yep, correct, would not start with the E-Brake on.
Mar 6, 2025 at 8:52 AM
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STRAILER
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It must be a safety device. Thanks for letting us know :)
Mar 7, 2025 at 8:56 AM