Starter not workng

RWRHP

MEMBER
2002 FORD ESCAPE
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
64,300 MILES

After having a flawless vehicle other than normal maintenance since I purchased my 2002 new, I have an intermittent issue that has me puzzled. The other day I tried starting my vehicle and it exhibited only a loud clicking sound from the solenoid on the starter. This was confirmed when my brother put his hand on the solenoid to feel the clicking. The starter wouldn't engage. I replaced the starter and solenoid with a new one but it did the same thing. After about an hour, I tried again and it groaned a little during cranking but started. I had the alternator tested and the battery. All "ok". My concern is that I have an intermittent electrical/starting issue. I was told that even though my battery is only 2 years old, it may have a intermittent "dead" cell issue that still may show the battery is good, but it really has an issue with a cell or two that are malfunctioning. The only other possibility are the cables to the battery? But those have been tightly wrapped in the plastic covering since the car been built. I have decided to replace the battery. Was wondering if anyone had any further ideas for me to look at?

1 Reply

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

A continuous clicking means that there is not enough current to energize the solenoid. That means either the battery is low or the cables are not making good contacts. Prior to replacing the battery, remove your existing battery from the vehicle and have it tested at a parts store. Most of them do this for free. Ask them to do the test a couple of times, and make sure that you get the same amperage every time.

As you are removing the battery, look for signs of corrosion on the terminals and in the battery cables. Are the cables tightly attached to the post. Plastic coverings? Take them off. They are there just to look pretty, they do nothing.