Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting car won't start starter or electrical short?

Hello guys I have a 98 ford contour se its been acting up last 2 days will start when i give it a jump othern then that if its been sitting hr or two it tries crank but it wont star. Not sure if its starter with short in it or electrical short. As its trying start but then like battery dies quick from trying start it? I had car running and disconnected battery still ran so cant be alternator. But what boggels me now is when i try start car wipers also turn on and no my wiper switch not on so iwas thinking maybe that has something do with it going jump it tonight and then when shut off car disconnect battery see if will start in morning they want $150 for starter not sure if could just be solonied? looks pain in ass to get out too so dont want do it unless have to thanks for any help

" But what boggels me now is when i try start car wipers also turn on and no my wiper switch not on"
"Dead" (low charge) battery will do this.

Charge the battery well and test.
Engine off. Voltage should be 12 to 12.5 across battery terminals.

Engine running. Voltage should be 14 to 14.5 across battery terminals.

Was the charge light on or flickering when the engine was running?

And don't disconnect the battery when the engine is running. You could fry many of the electronic components in the car.

You may have a battery on it's last legs... you could take it to AutoZone they provide free battery testing (Load testing) and they can also test the alternator... Better to do this than spend money first...