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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

Starter clicking/dying battery?

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Old Feb 27, 2007 | 02:50 AM
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Starter clicking/dying battery?

I just got a 1990 E350 from a guy that claims the battery is brand new. I went to move it today and it started fine.. then I come back an hour later to go for a drive and when I turn the key.. the engine turns for about 1-2 seconds then it stops and I hear a FAST CONSTANT clicking for as long as I hold the key. Does this sound more like a battery problem than it does a starter problem? Is there any way I can test the battery with a multimeter? I turned the lights on and they seem to be as bright as they should be which leads me to believe the starter is dying on me..

My old econoline ate two starters in the two years I had it.. I hope this isnt a repeat...

Any opinions are appreciated. THANKS!
 
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Old Feb 27, 2007 | 03:12 AM
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NumberDummy
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Noise is likely coming from the starter relay, a little black plastic device that the positive battery cable attaches to from the battery. A low battery is the likely cause of the noise, but why the battery is low...is the question. If the guy said the battery is new, did you get proof in the way of a receipt? Without proof of purchase, your only recourse is to buy another battery...IF that turns out to be the problem. Have the battery tested, and if the battery checks out OK, you have electrical issues.
 

Last edited by NumberDummy; Feb 27, 2007 at 03:15 AM.
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