Mercury Mariner won't start - need car expert's help (rental, 2010, truck)
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I purchased a 2006 Mercury Mariner on August 14th and since then, have had numerous problems with it not wanting to start. Whenever I would turn the key, all the lights came on but there was no sound like it was trying to turn over. I took it to the shop and they changed the battery but still had the same problem. They thought it was the power-train control module and took it to the dealership to re-flash or re-program. Anyway, eventually I had the same problem. They finally discovered a loose connection wire to the starter and replaced that but when I went to pick the car up it wouldn't start! So, they told me that the automatic starter system was bad because my key fob wasn't working either. They removed the control starter system and gave me new key fobs that only lock/unlock the doors. I thought the problem was fixed because it's been running fine for two weeks now. Except, this morning it wouldn't start. This time the key wouldn't even turn and I discovered it was slightly bent. I tried my spare key and it did turn in the ignition but the engine wouldn't turn over and there was no noise or clicking like it was even trying to. I was wondering if it could be a similar problem as before. Is it a safety feature that immobilized my car because it couldn't read the bent key? I am so tired of taking this car to the shop...any suggestions would be extremely appreciated. I would like to trust the place I purchased this car from but at this point I have little to no faith in their technicians.
Is it being paid for by you or dealer? Document the repair attempts and tell service manager that you need a free loaner while they figure it out. See what he says
Sounds to me like you have bought a pig from a bunch of crooks. The bent key, I think, is just a mechanical problem with it not working the lock.
From what you describe, they are as incompetent as they are dishonest, hard to think the battery was at fault. But it's possible.
Bottom line, I would suspect the ignition switch, the wire to the solenoid (does this have the traditional Ford solenoid on the fender well under the hood?).
Matter of fact, if this does have the solenoid separate from the starter, typically you can use a screwdriver or similar to short between the big positive cable and the small positive pin that is normally actuated by the ignition switch, I would think if the ignition key was in the switch and turned to "run", the truck should start. This would work with older Fords.
Is it being paid for by you or dealer? Document the repair attempts and tell service manager that you need a free loaner while they figure it out. See what he says
It was under warranty when all this was going on. They did give me a rental for free and paid for the towing the last time it was supposedly "fixed." I'm keeping track of all the repair attempts but my warranty has run out aside from the additional coverage on the repair work they've already done. Thanks for the advice.
Bottom line, I would suspect the ignition switch, the wire to the solenoid
Thanks, Mitch, for your comments. Yeah, I didn't think it was the battery either. I couldn't tell you about the solenoid though. I don't know anything about cars. I got home from work and tried to start it again and it's still doing the same thing. Thanks again.
if you are JUST past your Ford warranty period, i would try another dealership. give them your sob story and see if they will try to get Ford to cover the cost under the 'good faith' clause. Ford will occassionally still honor the warranty if you're just over the expiration period.
It's most likely the solenoid. If it happens again, open your hood and slam it closed a couple times. If it starts with no problem after doing this. The solenoid will most definatly be the problem. Slamming the hood shut usually jars the solenoid enough to start it. Good luck.
You may still have coverage as the problem happened while under warranty and has not been fixed. I would go soeak to the service manager.
Have them check the starter solenoid and connections also
Turning the key but no starter noise means the ignition signal is not getting to the starter solenoid. Next time. Pop the hood and lightly tap the starter solenoid body with a back of a screwdriver handle or something similar. Tap not beat.. Then try cranking it. If it starts you have a sticking solenoid. If it's like my ford the solenoid is on the pass side fender
Considering the thread is 5 years old, I doubt they have the car anymore. You REALLY have to watch dates on threads at this website.
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