Ford Repair: powertrain, alternator test, battery cables

Question
car turns over slowly then won't.  power inside is fine everything works.  i jumpstart the car it will turn over.  it starts about 6 more times and then won't turnover again.  jumpstart and it is fine.  is it the battery, starter, battery cable or alternator.  if the light, ac, radio work fine then it can't be the battery right?

Answer
Amanda-

  Actually I'd bet it's the battery.  Sometimes batteries get into this sort of limbo where it's got enough power to work lights, radio, etc., but not enough to crank the motor (especially if it turns over slowly at first).  This is especially true when it gets colder out (as to why, it's a long explanation if you're not familiar with the chemistry of batteries...let's just say they don't like to work well the colder it gets).  If you want to do a quick alternator test just to be sure, start the car up and remove the battery cables (please be VERY careful around the fan).  If it dies or runs oddly, the alternator may be on it's way out.  But from what you described, I think you just need a new battery (although a quick check of the cables wouldn't hurt).  Hope this helps.

Steve