2000 Ford Taurus Won't Start - Ignition System

Question: I changed the battery, though the power window and door locks gradually got less and less functional, to thepoint that they would not lock, and now the car does not start....upon turning the key all the interior lights go completely blank, but the moment the ignition key is switched off, all the lights come back on, so what gives????

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Technican: Sounds like your alternator is not recharging your battery. Your battery has become so low that it can only light the lights when there is no heavy load (starter). Your alternator may be defective or have bad wiring.

Owner: Even with a brand new battery purchased yesterday?? I find this hard to believe. Please respond, thanks.

Technican: Check the voltage on the battery, have someone try to start it and see if the voltage holds above 12v. If not, your battery is discharged. If the voltage stays up, check your battery terminals and cables. You need to get 12v to the vehicle as well.

Owner: would it help to know that there is absolutely no response from the engine....no cranking or turning.....and if the ignition key is turned the interior lights all blank out. You say it is the battery however a dead battery (new one) would have a dead horn or radio, woold it not??? So could it be a bad ignition switch or module or relay somewhere even if the battery is charging or below 12v?? Thanks

Technican: Check your battery terminals. If they are loose, you can have this problem. Check your battery cables. You need to be getting 12V to the rest of the car. Check the battery voltage when the key is on. You said the power windows and locks gradually became less functional. That is what made me think the battery went down. With the headlights on, what is the voltage at your battery? At the fusebox?

Owner: ABout 13v with headlights on at the fuse box, thanks

Technican: Next, measure the voltage between the starter hot wire and the block. Again it should have good voltage. Sounds like your battery is great! Now we continue to check the power supply.

Owner: Update: The car turned on suddenly this afternoon after sitting overnight and morning. It acts and starts as though nothing is wrong. The problem is it is completely unpredictable when it will not respond again as before. What now???

Technican: The problem may lie in the ignition switch itself.It may be staying in the on position from what you are discribing and draining the battery.Doing an electrical load test will tell you the condition of your alternator.The ignition switch is easy to remove and replace.Most parts houses carry them.The only thing here if replaced, you will have a different key unless you want to have a locksmith key it to the original.On the steering column underneath the key cylinder, there is a samll hole.Disconnect the battery, turn the key to the on position and put a small pick straight up through the hole.There is a pin that will disengage the cylinder allowing you to pull the cylinder out.Once out follow the directions on the replacement to re-install.The cylinder has to be in a proper position(start)so it engages. Paul

Owner: That sounds like it makes sense from the way the starter and battery turn the car on when things are right. I really appreciate your answer and the effort. Hope it turns out as you say. It is terrible driving around like this. Dan

Technican: Hope it works out for you.If it dosent, we can start over. Paul

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