93 Villager Starter Problem

Ok I bought a 93 Mercury Villager a couple months ago. It has 210,000 miles. (I only paid 500 for it) and I went to crank it this morning and it turned over once and then when I tried to start it again (it takes 2 turns to crank) all it did was a click. (everything lights up and battery seemed good) I had a friend come over and jump me off and when I went to crank it sparks shot everywhere from the starter or the silinoid (wasn't sure which it came from) So I stopped trying to crank for a minute and then tried again (please remember I am a female and don't know squat about cars lol) and this time it cranked. So I turned off and cranked again a couple more times to be sure it would still crank again and the last time I did it, sparks flew again from the starter area. (This was after we took the jumper cables off) and now it won't crank again it just does one click. Does anyone have a sugestion? My husband is out of state working and I have to change this myself. I have a book for the van so I am studying but still not sure what it is. I appreciate any advice!
Thank you.

Welcome to AF

First check the cable connections to the starter from the battery. Cable should be red and connects to the starter solenoid. Make sure they are tight and not corroded or burnt.

If you remove starter for repair take it to a alternator/starter repair shop, could save you some money and have a starter that is as good as or better than a rebuilt.

You may need a new solenoid.

Good Luck

The only thing I can see wrong with the wiring it the wire that goes from the starter to the solinoid (sp?) the covering for it is apart where the wire goes into the starter. Could it be that it is touching the metal and causeing sparks due to the voltage?

Is there a rubber crommet where the wire goes into starter? Very possible that wire could be arching with the wire insulation in poor condition. I would take starter to a starter/alternator repair shop for inspection. A good shop will check everything on starter and repair for around 1/2 price of a rebuilt or new atarter.

Thank you for the advice. Finally got the back bolt off and planning to take to the shop as soon as I get a ride. New question. As a precaution.. I am trying to charge the battery too but...The charger I am using wants to know if the battery is ..wet..gel..or AGM? How do I tell. It says nothing on the battery about what it is. It sounds like there is liquid inside when I pick up and shake. Does that mean its wet? Thank you again guys (and gals)

Whats the brand of battery?

You could also call the company or a place like Batteries Plus to find out.

Powerpack High Energy Batteries 35-6
Thats what the sticker on top says. Other than that it just says something about how great their batteries are. Yeah right. If they were so great they would make the label easier for a WOMAN to read! :banghead::tongue:

Is this the battery?

http://www.apexbattery.com/mercury-villager-battery-1993-u-s-option-car-batteries-mercury-batteries.html

If so I can not help you, I have never had a optima battery so I do not want to tell you something that will possibly cause the battery to explode, believe me not a nice experience. I suggest to call a dealer to make sure how to recharge.

No its not the battery, but thank you for the help. I am going to call the dealer in the morning or auto store and see if they have heard of the battery. I am scared of acid lol. Thank you again.