Dear Tom and Ray:

I have an '88 Mercury Grand Marquis with a V-8 engine and 130,000 miles. A year ago the battery died. I recharged it, and it died again. I had the alternator and starter relay replaced. After that the battery was fine, but a new problem was created. Intermittently, the starter motor will not turn off, even when the key is removed from the ignition. If the battery terminal is removed, the starter will stop. It never does it for the Ford service folks, and they think we're nuts. They've replaced the starter and the ignition switch, but it still happens. Help me. My wife wants a new car! -- Bob

Tom: A new car, eh? What's it worth to ya, Bob?

Ray: Actually, your wife is going to be sorely disappointed. I think all you need is a new starter solenoid relay. Somehow, the one you got when you had your alternator replaced must have been defective. That's when this current problem started (no pun intended).

Tom: I agree. The solenoid is the only part of the starting system that would keep the starter engaged like that. You say your starter was replaced, but the solenoid on this car is a separate component, mounted on the fender. Get it replaced, and your troubles should be over.

Ray: Or, Bob's wife, if you got to the paper first today, crumple this up, tell Bob we said it was hopeless and take him out car shopping this afternoon!

To buy or not to buy -- options, that is. Are options worth what you pay for them, or are you better off just going with the basics? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Should I Buy, Lease, or Steal My Next Car?" to find out. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1999 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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