Starter clicks but doesn't spin

Asked by mikeofoster Dec 02, 2014 at 10:47 AM about the 2003 Ford Focus SE Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We have recently had alternator trouble (replacement installed), coil pack went out
right after (replacement installed).  Now the starter has started acting up,  cranks
fine most of the time.  However on occasion, it only clicks.  I thought originally that
the solenoid was going bad but this morning I watched under the hood while my
lady hit the switch and with each click, the engine bumped just a fraction. I'm not a
mechanic by no means but I've never seen this happen and I have worked on a lot
of engines in my life.   I'm thinking starter now.  Mike

2 Answers
11,065

ytlas answered 9 years ago

Starter solenoid. Usually cheaper to buy a starter setup instead of just the solenoid and change it. If you have a multimeter you can put the positive lead on the positive terminal of the starter solenoid and the negative lead on a ground and have someone turn the key. If it's getting 12 volts, then it's the solenoid.

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