2000 Taurus: Alternator, battery or ?
 

I have a 2000 Taurus wagon. Yesterday it started fine, drove about 5 or six miles, it sat for about half an hour, then when I went to start it, it was dead. I thought it was because I had my gps plugged into the lighter, and my phone charger in the 12V slot. Just as I was going to get a jump start, it started (probably about 10 or 15 mins. after I first tried it.). I went on my merry way with no other problems...even after stopping and starting several more times.

This morning, once again it's dead. The interior lights and radio seemed to work at first, but not now. I tried jump starting it, but no go. At one point, without the key in the ignition, I went out to try again and it was making a soft "tick, tick, tick" sound inside the car. When I turn the key there is no sound at all. The jump starter says the battery is charged.

Battery is only a couple of years old, if that (but of course I can't find my receipt). Alternator was replaced 2 or 3 years ago. Would it be one of those, or something else?

One more thing...The power lock doesn't work for the doors, either with the remote or the switch on the door. The "Theft" light still blinks when I"m not in the car, but nothing else seems to work.

HOW THE **** DO I TIE MY SHOESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAA lol

A lot of folks come to this forum for possible help. Many of them are experts in their field, but have no automotive knowledge. When possible we try to share our knowledge and if it helps , great !
A little humor goes a long way, so maybe a pair of loafers might solve the tie problem, I don't know!

Thanks...this was super helpful

Sorry about that db508.
Were you able to check the battery cable connections for being clean and tight?
Something may be staying energized even with the key off. If you can't locate the area/item that is ticking you can always pull the fuses one at a time to pin down which system is malfunctioning.

I brought it to my mechanic who found some corrosion around the fuse and elsewhere. Of course, we the tow truck dropped it off it started right up for him, but he cleaned it up and it seems fine...for now.