Original Poster answering his own question: As it turns out, while trying to get it to turn over, my starter locked up. We took the starter out (not fun), took it to get it tested, and sure enough, bad starter. Replaced the starter and the car fired up just fine! Hope this helps!
On a 1996 Mercury Mystique : The brake fluid reservoir is also the clutch fluid reservoir
The acid turns to water. Batteries will freeze in cold weather if they are discharged. When the battery is charged, the water turns back to acid.
D O T ( 3 ) brake fluid
It has a hydraulic clutch ( the brake fluid reservoir is also the clutch fluid reservoir )
The fluid in an automotive battery is sulfuric acid.
try squirting some sarter fluid in air filter .if this starts engine and then dies, try it again. if engine will run as long as you squirt starter fluid ,the stop when starter fluid runs out, pretty much means you are not getting fuel. so you then need to check fuel filter, fuel pump injectors and injector pump until you find the problem
I have a 1998 Mercury Mystique LS automatic w/ a 2.5 liter V6 and it takes Mercon V transmission fluid. I'm not certain if it is the same for you, you should probably consult your owners manual.
lubrication lubrication
It could be that you A/C is running low on fluid.
Battery fluid in common auto batteries is sulfuric acid possibly with some additives.
The air intake .
The click is sound made by the solenoid which is an electric booster switch that cuts in the starter motor. Your battery can supply enough current to operate the solenoid but not enough to turn the engine. Suspect flat battery, corroded battery terminal or loose battery terminals . Unbolt battery clamps. Clean terminals with wire wool smear with petroleum jelly and replace terminals ensuring tight clamps. If still no go then charge battery overnight after checking fluid levels in cells.