2003 Taurus only starts with boost but alt and bat are good

Asked by jeremylisa Jan 12, 2011 at 08:33 AM about the 2003 Ford Taurus SE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I can only start my car with a boost.  The alt charges the battery with 12.6 volts and the battery has a full charge.  When I try to start the car without a boost, the dash lights are weak and there is clicking that comes from the relays next to the battery.  Everything will work until I try to engage the starter.  That is when the clicking starts and the dashlight go weak.  But no action from the starter.  When I attach the booster cables, everything works and the car fires up with no issues.  I can drive it and as soon as I turn it off, I need a boost to start.  Any ideas?  

4 Answers

papa answered 13 years ago

bad altonator,12.6 volts is low,not charging the battery,should be 14 to 15 volts.if you had auto zone or advance auto check it,they cant check it under a load,and will tell you it is ok,when it is bad,dont buy one from eather store,go to your indepentent parts dealer,store,they got the best parts.

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Jonathan answered 13 years ago

12.6 Volts should be enough to start it though, I'd check out the starter cables and make sure the top of the battery is clean so you're not getting any voltage leaking across the top. Also make sure the battery cables and terminals are clean. Use a baking soda and water mixture, I don't remember the exact proportions off the top of my head but it does a really good job.

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papa answered 13 years ago

replace the alt.that is your problem,12.6 is NOT CHARGING YOUR BATTERY,anything under 14 volts is low.

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jorden answered 12 years ago

this was happening to my car. I ended up having to replace the starter, i havent had a problem with it since then. The altornator was perfectly fine and it had a new batery.

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