Possible starter replacement.

ANSWER : It would help knowing the model of Mercury car you have for more specific advice. It would be uncommon for a starter to only last less than two years. I would have the starting system diagnosed by a trustworthy technician to make sure you do not have a bad cable that is not getting enough power to the starter.

ANSWER : Hi there. Forcing the starter to engage to make the engine run without the ignition engaging the starter will continue to keep the security on. This is a safety feature that keeps people from stealing your vehicle. I recommend replacing the ignition switch and checking the wires to make sure that they are all tight and clean. If you need further assistance with diagnosing your ignition problem, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Check the wiring on the starter to the ignition switch and see if they are crossed on the solenoid of the starter. If the wiring is crossed, the starter solenoid will stay engaged as the starter is engaged. If the wiring is hooked up normal, then the ignition switch maybe damaged causing the starter to stay engaged. If you need further assistance with your starter staying engaged, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. The hissing noise is your fuel pump priming; so this is normal. The ignition issue is sometimes caused by an internal component failure inside the ignition switch. However, it’s possible that the issue could be caused by an ignition relay that is slowly wearing out. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location to complete a car is hard to start inspection; so they can hopefully replicate the symptoms and determine what needs to be repaired.

ANSWER : I would check the fuses for the starter relay. You may have a blown fuse for the starter. I would have YourMechanic come and diagnose the starting problem further.

ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you see a prong that is not right or is pushed down, then there could be a short or cross within the relay. I recommend replacing the relay that has the prong pushed down and check to see if the starter stops engaging with the key on and starting the starter up with using a bypass starter switch to the relay directly. This bypasses the ignition switch. So if the starter does not stay on with the bypass, but the starter stays on with the original ignition switch, then I recommend replacing the ignition switch. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your starter situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to assist with the starting issue and follow through with repairs.

ANSWER : If the battery is new and charging system output has been measured and is within specifications (you should check that of course), the only reason a battery will discharge is if the car sits for a long period of time (batteries will self-discharge even if not used) or if there are parasitic (excess) loads on any of the car’s electrical circuits. If there is excess current flow that is slowly draining the battery, a Mechanic would use an ammeter to test all of the various circuits until the faulty circuit is found. Then that circuit is traced to find the fault and repair it. If you want those steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an electrical diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this aspect of the problem investigated and resolved for you.

With regard to the no start condition, check to see if there are any stored diagnostic trouble codes that might provide clues as to possible faults. Prior to the following steps, be sure you have a fully, 100% charged battery that passes a load test. Confirm that the engine immobilizer system (security system) is not activated thus preventing the car from starting. If the immobilizer system is on, you may see a security warning light. If the warning light is on, to temporarily override the immobilizer system, see these instructions. With a fully charged battery, if there is no starter motor operation at all, that is if there is no starter operation with the key held in the "start" position, the procedure is to test for power and voltage drops to the starter motor/solenoid. If there is no power, or a large voltage drop is measured, then the electrical circuit supplying the starter motor has a fault. That circuit begins at the battery and includes grounds, wiring (some of which is very heavy cabling), fuses, relays, the ignition switch, neutral start switch, and terminations. Basically, with a fully charged battery, and with the key held in the "start" position, the starter is either getting power or it isn’t. If you want these steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a no start diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : On almost all A/C compressors, it is possible to replace the clutch without replacing the entire unit. To replace the clutch requires a special tool kit for doing just that. The A/C compressor does have to be removed from the vehicle in order to replace the clutch. Replacing the clutch only will only save the cost of the compressor. All other steps involved in replacing the compressor would be involved in replacing the clutch including an evacuate and recharge. Consider YourMechanic for your air conditioning services as they can be done from your home or office.