2001 mercury gran marquis, just a click when turning key, replace battery same problem noticed a few starts; in days before that engine surged briefly after/during starting?

How old is a battery?Check connection. A Battery has to have crank power beside has 12.5 V.

It would appear that that your starter itself is bad. You don't have to remove it to have it tested but you will have to get it started to get it to a CARQUEST or somewhere like that.

Maybe, but not necessarily. Its possible your shift linkage/cable has loosened or stretched. Have a reputable transmission shop check that. (easy for them to do)

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You will have to zoom in, but here it is!

have you tried to jump start it?but starters do fail more when hot

Try jump starting you car. If that works your battery is need of replacement. To verify jump start, take to any good parts store and have them test your charging system & load test your battery.

may be your alternator is gone, when the car is running the battery is out and the alternator takes over, so is got to be your alternator, try to restart your car and if it runs disconect the negative cable from your battery if the car dies the alternator is bad.

You need to replace the shift lock solenoid or the brake switch.

my mercury grand marquise turns over but wont start what could it be. would a fuse keep it from starting?

Have you checked the headlight switch? That would cause the same problem. Best wishes to you.