2000 Ford Focus won't start sometimes

Asked by GaryM949 Jan 14, 2017 at 12:54 PM about the 2000 Ford Focus ZTS

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Car is a 2000 Ford focus, Zetec engine, automatic, 105000 miles on it.  
99% of the time the car starts, but twice now it won't crank.  All lights work,
PATS light on dash is normal, no click from the solenoid.  First time it was
towed, then sat for about 8 hours, and then it started fine.  A few days later
it did it again, same thing, but this time the tow truck driver tried turning the
key on and off and finally it started. Battery is healthy, full charge and holds
charge. Does this sound like a starter issue?  Or maybe the ignition switch?  
Any ideas?  I don't want to just throw parts at at.

2 Answers

223,685

First check the battery connections, look for corrosion in and around the wiring insulation, if so replace. Make sure battery cables are clean and tight. When the car doesn't turn over, if you have a test light check on the small wire on the starter solenoid when someone is turning the key to start, check to see if power runs down to the solenoid. If no power when the key is turned, it may be the ignition switch. If there IS power, then have the starter checked out. It just may be in the solenoid on the starter.

1 people found this helpful.
20

It would click before I changed the starter and all lights on dash is working but put new starter on and now it don't make a clicking sound

2 people found this helpful.

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