97 Tbird with new starter still won't start

DVINEMISSM

MEMBER
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
105,000 MILES

Tbird was giving the classic signs of needing a new starter - slow to turn over, clicking then starting, no start until I banged on the starter, etc. So, I replaced the starter (what a pain that was!) And then tried to start the car; it clicked once, then nothing. It did it 3 times, then started. I shut it off & tried again, it did the same thing-3 tries, 3 clicks, then start. I let it sit for an hour, then tried and now I get nothing but a click (more like a clunk) from the starter (or so it seems). I had the battery tested, it's good. Cleaned the terminals & connections & still nothing but that click/clunk. When I turn the key to start position, all lights in the car go out, then come back on when I release the key. What could the problem be? I've heard it could be a bad ground, but what does that mean? The ground to the battery? The ground to the starter? I can do most of the big stuff on a car, but the electrical is totally not my thing. Help?

4 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

Ford has had a lot of trouble with corroded battery cables, particularly hidden under the insulation by the starter. Use a test light with the probe and ground clip right on the battery posts, then on the cables connected to them while a helper tries to crank the engine. If the light stays fairly bright, move the ground clip from the negative cable to the engine block and try again, then move the probe from the positive cable to the next point down the line. Keep working your way down to the starter. You're looking for the first place the light goes out when trying to crank the engine. These tests are only meaningful when done when the problem is occurring. Holler back with what you find.