bradleyheathhays Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 So this '02 Taurus with only 87k miles on her starts right up every time multiple times a day except for twice in the last 3 weeks. The first time was 3 weeks ago and the second was today. It happened the same both times. Turn the key and stop to let the pump prime, then when I turn to the start position the engine turns real slow and sort of in fits. Usually when a battery is low the engine turns slow but in rhythm. During my 2 starts the engine barely seemed to turn and the crankshaft rpm seemed to vary. On both starting events I let off the key and tried to start 2-3 times with rests in between. But then eventually on the 4th try it starts right up just as quickly as a normal start. I have No clue as to what might be causing this. Only thing I know to do is, next time it does this to put a voltage meter on the battery to see if it's weak. Actually though, because both events the engine ended up starting up like normal that would indicate something other than the batt. Electrically this car is a little odd though. The interior light never comes on when the doors are opened, for years, and then last week it comes on twice when one of the rear doors is opened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 Check the battery cable connections and make sure they are clean and tight. If it’s a 2v 3.0, the starter is right below the oil filter and starters are common to fail on those from oil contamination. Checking the starter draw would be a good start also. It’s a super easy starter to change so you could even have it bench tested. But because they have a high failure rate, if I take it off it’s getting a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradleyheathhays Posted November 18, 2019 Author Share Posted November 18, 2019 Right thanks for the good advice. I've seen other places that mention the same oil contamination you mention. In the end I think that's what it's gonna be, but I'm interested in testing the starter's draw as you mentioned. How would you go about doing this...with a multimeter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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