starting up problem

[quote:55e5aa8f85="sfxexplosion"]Hello my name is chad and I have an 1995 ford escort 1.9l LX with 108,000 miles. Last week Aug 1st I was at work and my car would not start. When I turned the key over I had power and everything but no noise when I turned the key to start. As soon as I hooked up jumper cables my car fired right up and was running fine. Today Aug.8 I went out to start my car and it did the same thing again. I hooked up jumper cables again and nothing this time. I had my battery tested and it passed. I changed my ignition relay and still nothing. I have no idea if it could be my starter or alternator. I was told it cannot be the alternator. But if my starter was shot wouldn't it make a ticking noise when i hold to key over to start? I am just stuck on this and i would appreciate it if you could help me..

thank you
chad[/quote:55e5aa8f85]

Make sure both pos. and neg. cables both end to end is free from corrosion/etc Battery fully charged-Now go find the starter solenoid/relay disconnect the little wire says S on it-get a helper to turn key to start position-do you have power on it? if so and you don't hear the stater engaging it could be the starter itself-now before you condemn the starter -now go back and hook the S terminal wire back on-turn key to start position check for power at the battery cable terminal on the solenoid/relay that goes to the starter, if so the starter is gone.

In order for you to check whether the alternator is good the engine has to be running for the alternator to put out its output.