Ford Repair: 1990 Ford Taurus wont start???, battery load tester, starter solenoid

Question
Hi Erik,
1990 ford taurus,auto trans, not sure of engin size. Bare with me, I'm a girl with a car problem!
My Taurus suddenly won't start. Plenty of fuel, battery is fine.  I turn the key and it acts like it is trying to go, but the engin doesn't turn over. If I hold the key in the start position it keeps on trying, but no dice.  There is no clicking sound (that is apparently significant to the males I've asked). I only drive it on the weekends and to the store, and it worked fine two days ago when I drove it last. My brother thinks it has to do with the heavy rain we've have had (he's not really qulaifed) but I've had the car for 2 years and never experienced problems like this before.

If I was forced to guess I would say maybe the starter but honsetly I have not one clue.  I guess I'm just looking for some kind of guidance since all the local garages are closed and I don't know any car people.

Thanks in advance, and I apologize if this is a waste of your time and expertise!  
---Sincerely, Kerry McCartney

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
 There are a few things you need to have to test the vehicle:
1. 12 volt test light
2. battery load tester (this can be rented at a parts store)
3. set of wrenches and sockets (metric and standard)

I would start off by load testing the battery. Follow the test equipment's instructions.
Then I would check the starter and fender mounted starter solenoid with the 12v test light. At the fender solenoid there will be a single wire that will be attatched in the top center of it. It should be able to pulled off with out and tools required. Hook the clip end of the test light to the Neg(-) side of the battery, while holding the test light end. Then have a helper try to start the vehicle, and place the test light probe end in to the wire. If the test light lites, then that part of the starting system is good.......and it most likely will be. Next, move below the vehicle and you will now be checking out the starter. Remove the single (thin) wire from the starter, and follow the same procedure as above. If it lights, you are getting a trigger signal to the starter. Next check to see if the main battery cable has power at the starter.......place the probe end on the starter.......if it light you have power there. After all of this is completed........you will most likely need a new or reman starter.
Use this link for removal and installation:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0...

Hope this helps,
Erik