Turn the key in 2001 Ford Taurus 3.0L and sometimes you hear it prime other times nothing, which causes the car not to start. Have changed the relay and still does this.

SOURCE: ford courier 4x4 ute starting problem

Hi,

If I understand you right, the problem is at certain times the engine will not crank, that is turn over when you turn they ignition key to START. And at times it will start and run normally.

Might it be that the issue is with the starter system. The starter system is initiated at the ignition switch when the key is turned to start. At this point, the ignition switch then provides +12VDC to a starter relay. The relay is but a remote switch with slightly higher amperage capacity. The starter relay then engages and supplies +12VDC to the staring solenoid. The starting solenoid then performs two (2) functions. It provides the switching action (hundreds amps) from the battery heavy cable to the actual starter motor. The solenoid likewise pushes a small pinion gear along the shaft of the starter motor to engage the ring gear. The ring gear is of course on the edge of the flywheel which in turn is attached to the crankshaft.

Starter system problems could be corrected by:
1. check battery, battery cables and connections;
2. charge the battery if required;
3. clean brushes and guides of brush holders of the starter motor;
4. clean the commutator and commutator segments;
5. check/replace the armature or field coils if determined to be defective;
6. in some extreme cases it could be the drive pinion or the flywheel gear ring is defective.
7. often it is the big switch that the solenoid activates that looses contacts causing no +12V internally to the motor.
8. Most likely would be a defective starter relay or the IGN switch itself. Relative to this, you might try and check the connectors/terminals and electrical joints.

In the picture below, the upper portion is the starter solenoid while the one below it is the actual starter.

Given the amount of work to overhaul a starter, you might consider just replacing it.

This of course assuming that all other vital components of the car are working.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

Thank you for using FixYa.

SOURCE: 2001 ford taurus wont start and anti-theft light is blinking

Either you may be using a key that you had copied from the original or your chip went bad in your original key. Most of cars now a days have the key censor in the key so if it is the incorrect key it will not start your car or if it does not read that chip it will not start

SOURCE: Intermittent fuel pump engagement when turning key - 2001 Taurus

try cleaning the connector that goes to the fuel pump, sometimes they corrode on inside. If that does not fix, test the wires feeding fuel pump with a multi meter until the condition shows itself again, if voltage drops to zero or very low then wiring problem, if voltage is unchanged with problem and fuel pump is not working and connectors are all clean, try replacement of fuel pump.

SOURCE: 1999 Ford Taurus Wont Start

replace starter solenoid

SOURCE: 2001 ford Taurus. Will not start. Turn key and

The problem would be the starter they go without any warning

Testimonial: "Terian5- Thanks for the help Traced the wire to starter. the wire looks like it snaps on. put it back and it started. I need to tighten nut."