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Apr 14, 2015 | 03:14 PM

neaners

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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?

Apr 14, 2015 | 03:31 PM

alloro

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What is clicking, a relay or the starter?

Apr 14, 2015 | 04:24 PM

neaners

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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.

Apr 14, 2015 | 05:40 PM

r2millers

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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.

Apr 14, 2015 | 09:57 PM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by neaners

I turn the key over and I hear a click like in the middle of the dash.

That sounds like the starter relay, which would lead me to believe you have a bad starter.

Apr 15, 2015 | 01:48 AM

Skauber

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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.

Apr 15, 2015 | 09:46 AM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Skauber

Before you start throwing parts at it, service your battery.

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.