Starting Problems

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

Oh and congrats on the first step too!

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.