Car clicks, but won't start

Your talking about a ford escort, correct? Use a digital multimeter across the battery posts, have a helper turn key to crank. The voltage reading should drop some, usually not below 9.5 volts. If it doesn't drop any, then there is an open circuit to the starter, if starter is ok, positive and ground cables ok, check the neutral or clutch switch depending if your automatic or manual.

That black wire with red tracer at the starter, is it hot, with key on. You need to do some voltage testing. Any testing at the starter, make sure the tranny is in park or neutral and the e-brake is set.