The vehicle is making a rapid ticking noise when starting the ignition. What is that and what should I do mechanic or is it a easy fix on my own?

Asked by Louis Oct 19, 2012 at 11:44 AM about the 2000 Ford Explorer XLT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Truck sat for two months the owner decided not start it any longer.

2 Answers

Thank you I thought that might be it. The connections on the battery has corrosion on it and it needs to be replaced. Therefore it is a auto store run. Thanks again!

2,455

Before you replace the battery, just clean the corrosion off the terminals and recharge it. The battery itself may be fine. Unhook the terminals, clean with water and baking soda, dry and reattach. I spray a little clear spraypaint over the newly cleaned terminals, or smear a little grease over them, helps keep corrosion from recurring. Then put the battery on a battery charger for at least 6 hours. Then see if your truck will start. 2 months is a long time for a vehicle to sit without being started. Batteries discharge on their own, clocks and electronic memories take a small amount of current, and especially alarm systems. You ought to start and run your vehicle at least an hour every two weeks to a month, or at least keep a battery maintainer or trickle charger on the battery when not in use.

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