Starting issues
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Starting issues
I have a 2001 Expedition that is having starting issues. When I turn the ignition it will click 3 times and then start. EVERY time. I have checked all connections and cleaned all the contacts. checked the ground, and verified that the battery is good. any ideas?
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I turn the key over and I hear a click like in the middle of the dash. I also BELIEVE I hear the starter click like in the engine compartment. and it is different every time. Sometimes I turn the key, get a click, turn it again, and it starts right up. other times it may take two, maybe three times turning the key and then it starts right up. I mean it ALWAYS starts... just have to turn the keys multiple times to get it to finally turn the engine over.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Southern Cal
Bad Bendix in the starter or positive cable has corroded to the point of too much resistance.
Have someone listen for the click to isolate, then if the starter, try jumping it across the terminals to test before turning over the key again.
Have someone listen for the click to isolate, then if the starter, try jumping it across the terminals to test before turning over the key again.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2014
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Before you start throwing parts at it, service your battery, make sure it's clean and the terminals has good connection, check the cable to the starter and that it's properly connected. After this, you should have a friend turn the key while you listen for the clicking under the hood, to see if it comes from the starter or what. Always diagnose it properly first, guessing what parts you need to replace will quickly get quite expensive.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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While I agree that diagnosing a problem is being prudent, there is also such a thing as over-thinking it too. If it were the battery or battery connections, the rest of the electrical system would go dark when attempting to start it. Since that's not happening and he can hear the starter relay clicking, you are left with a 99% chance of it being a bad starter. Being a 2001 there is a good possibility that the original 14-year old starter is still in it.
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Posting Guru
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Of course, but running the starter is the biggest load on the battery. If there's any issues, it could work normally until it has to feed the starter, and it then the starter just doesn't get the juice needed to crank. Spending 10 minutes to clean a battery and the posts/terminals, as well as checking the cables doesn't hurt before moving on to find the issue elsewhere. 
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