Starting Problems

[breon]

I just picked up my NA 2.3L LX today

The car started up on the lot after sitting about a week. It drove good on the test drive. I drove it home (about 25 miles), parked it, then went out to dinner with friends. It's been about 5 hours since I got home, and now the car won't start. It has a new battery with plenty of charge. I press in the clutch, turn the key, and the engine makes a single click. (ew)

It's about 37 degrees here in the twin cities of minneapolis and st. paul, so I don't think it's too cold.

My buddy suggested that I tap on the starter when trying to start the car.

1) Where the hell is the starter on the 2.3?
2) Any other ideas?

Thanks

 

[Racingboy532]

Breon,

The first thing I would check are the battery connections. Mine have been loose on my 5.0 and I get the same thing....click. Wiggle the connections and the cables in the connections. Check the solenoid on the driver side fender well too.

Bob

 

[Racingboy532]

Oh and congrats on the first step too!

 

[breon]

So I found what I believe is the starter. I traced a positive lead around the engine. (did i mention that I'm not a mechanic).

When you turn the key, it clicks once, and does not rotate. You can tell it's trying, because the wires attached to it kind of jibble when you try to turn it over.

I'm going to try to get it into my garage and beat the hell out of it, to see if it's frozen.

Wish me luck?!

 

[Racingboy532]

Breon,

I haven't had a Ford starter "freeze" on me. GMs yes but not Fords. The beating on it trick works on the GM as I have done so successfully.

If you have current for the lights and then get a click from the starter when it attempts to engage, check your battery connections first thing. Aftermarket cable ends don't always fit right and have caused this same problem for me. I would also check the relay on the driverside fenderwell as I mentioned before. Make SURE all the connections are tight and not corroded. The battery cables need to be tight in their connection to the terminal AND tight to the battery.

The starter is on the passenger side under the exhaust manifold. It has only one wired connection and is mounted with three bolts. It comes out relatively easily.

*edit* You should check the battery voltage using a meter or take it to Pep Boys, AutoZone etc nad have them test it. The car could have a drain somewhere. I've experienced that as well. Not very fun to track down.