Starting issue

SARAHJSPRINGER

MEMBER
2001 FORD ESCORT
149,000 MILES

My car stopped running in the middle of driving yesterday. For the last eight months the started has been glitchy. Sometimes it turns over first key turn, sometimes twenty clicks and then it fired up. Now when turning the key, I still get the click but it wont turn over. It makes an empty metal grinding noise. I just replaced all spark plugs and wires and coil pack. Please someone help me!

Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 9:26 AM

3 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

That sounds like you have got a bad starter. Can you hear a whirring sound when you turn the key?

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Thursday, July 28th, 2016 AT 10:50 AM

SARAHJSPRINGER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, it sounds like its just spinning freely.

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Sunday, July 31st, 2016 AT 11:45 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Get starter replaced and make sure that the teeth on the drive plate, are not worn down, these are the teeth that the starter engages to turn the engine over when stating, if these are worn, you will have to replace the drive plate which will require the removal of the transmission.

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Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016 AT 2:35 PM