1999 mercury villager wont start

that ticking noise means the relay is working so you should hit the starter with some heavy metal pipe, tool or anything a couple of hits should work then try to start it if the car start or make a different sound you will need to replace the starter

Not likely, a bad solenoid usually results in nothing starting at all. The starter only runs a few seconds when first starting the engine. It could be the alternator which is always running. The starter basically replace the old hand crank form decades ago and simple rotates the engine while the fuel burn cycle engages.

Yes the neg cable is grounded at the starter bolts and also at the frame.
Do you have power coming from the starter relay down to the starter solenoid with the key switch in the start position ?
Do you have headlights when you try to crank the engine ?
Have you tried cranking it in neutral ?

Probably a bad distributor. The cam sensor and optical sensor are under the slotted wheel and when the bearing goes, it gets brown dust on the optical sensor. Temp fix is to clean the optical sensor, but you will need a reman distributor, $200 on ebay. 1999 was famous for this issue.
go here for more help

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/

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try spraying starting fluid in air intake or throttle body. If it starts, it is a fuel problem. Can you hear ful pump run for 5 seconds when you turn key on? Pump is in tank.

go here too

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/

I assume it won't crank. Are you getting power to the small terminal to the starter when someone turns the key? Can you jump power to it and get it to crank? It could be a bad neutral safety switch.

Sounds like the starter is staying engaged. Its may be a bad starter or a bed starter relay

check your starter motor

Could very well be a starter problem, but I typically suggest that one should check out the condition of the battery (may not be throwing sufficient amps to crank the starter), and then the alternator to make certain the alternator is providing enough amps to fully charge the battery.

Sounds like the starter is actually turning, just not fully engaging. when a starter dies 6 out of 10 times it's a bad selenoid (causing a loud clicking sound instead of the starter engaging). Doesn't sound like your immediate problem.

Try jump starting the Beetle. If it starts that was it's probably a battery or alternator issue. If your successful in getting the car started your local autoparts store (AutoZone, Advance Auto or O'Reillys) can test your battery and alternator for Free. Call before you go to make certain that their testing equipment is functioning.

power on the small terminal of the starter solenoid when you turn the key?