Car wont start

Tiny
FIXMYCARPLZLOL
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD ESCORT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100 MILES
Hey guys I usually come here for any car repair questions I have and u have helped and saved me alot of money in the past. Want to thank u for it now I have a different problem I just changed my starter and battery on a 1998 ford escort zx2 it had fixed the problem but now it started up again. When I try to turn it on it just does this clicking sound. And this lingering sound after.I has some old terminals so I changed those. But im curious if it might be my battery cables. Or hopefully not my key ignition
Sunday, June 19th, 2011 AT 9:13 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,332 POSTS
If the clicking is rapid and constant as long as you hold the ignition switch in the "crank" position, there is a bad cable connection or discharged battery. In particular, look for insulation at both ends of both cables that can be peeled back to expose corroded copper wires. That hidden corrosion causes more trouble on Fords than the starter motors.
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Sunday, June 19th, 2011 AT 10:08 PM
Tiny
FIXMYCARPLZLOL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Are u reffering to the end where the terminals are.I think u might be right about the wire I kept tugging the cables and and the car just turned on. Any advice on what apermanent fix would be im afraid to drive the car and have it get stuck some where.
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Sunday, June 19th, 2011 AT 10:25 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,332 POSTS
That corrosion can travel up the cable so just putting a new terminal on it is not a good idea. The best fix is a new cable. You can find universal cables in varying lengths at hardware stores and auto parts stores. They're available with the correct terminals and / or battery clamp already installed.
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Sunday, June 19th, 2011 AT 10:32 PM
Tiny
FIXMYCARPLZLOL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Is this somthing I could do on my own im lacking alot of tools. Would a splice kit work. And by the thanks for the help
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Sunday, June 19th, 2011 AT 10:58 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
Around here, The popular auto parts stores, would gladly assist you in installing cables, if you purchase 'em from them!

Generally speaking, it would be about the same task as installing a battery.

I use grease on my terminals and clamps, they do offer a "spray" that keeps corrosion away.

The Medic
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Monday, June 20th, 2011 AT 1:48 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,332 POSTS
Splicing these cables isn't really practical and it's a lot more work. It only takes a couple of wrenches to change the cables.
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Monday, June 20th, 2011 AT 2:20 AM

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