My 2003 ford explorer wont start up just get click click click click click click click click

My 2003 ford explorer wont start up just get click click click click click click click click click click

My car has 200000 miles.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If the battery is weak and the voltage is dropping to below 9 volts you will get the clicking without the starter turning the motor. Have the battery voltage checked and if battery cannot hold a load then replace it and clean the battery terminals and recheck system to see if it starts.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If the battery is weak and the voltage is dropping to below 9 volts you will get the clicking without the starter turning the motor. Have the battery voltage checked and if battery cannot hold a load then replace it and clean the battery terminals and recheck system to see if it starts.
The most common reasons a Ford Explorer won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
Damaged CV joint: The most common cause of a clicking or popping sound from the wheels is a broken CV joint.
The most common reasons a Ford Explorer Sport Trac won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
If you only hear a single click as you try to start the car, it could be an electrical problem with the starter solenoid or starter relay. A faulty or corroded starter solenoid tends to absorb the electrical current meant for the starter motor.
It might be a faulty starter.

One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Tapping the starter can sometimes get it going again, but no guarantees. Most likely, you`ll need to get your starter repaired or replaced.

A single loud click could mean that there are troubles with the starter motor or the starter solenoid—which together act like a crank to help get your car`s engine going—or more specifically from a failing or bad starter relay that`s not sending enough electric current from the battery to the starter motor.
Car engines have rotating and reciprocating components. Worn-out accessories and bad bearings would make a whining or whirring sound. A problem with one of the reciprocating components, such as pistons, valves, rods, or pushrods, usually makes clunking, clicking, or ticking noise.
Misaligned Valves

But lack of maintenance and other issues can cause misalignment, which makes it difficult for the valves to open and shut, resulting in an engine clicking sound. Alternatively, faulty CV joints can also cause engine ticks under the valve cover.

Other possible no start faults are low compression, failed fuel pump, defective spark plugs, a defective coil(s), a failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, a failed throttle position sensor, and a broken timing belt.
Usually a rapid clicking noise is a good indication that your starter motor isn`t getting enough electrical current to engage – basically your solenoid is trying to engage but can`t make the connection.
Starter motor issues can manifest as a single, loud click emanating from the starter relay or starter solenoid. Usually, this points to a faulty relay or solenoid, or a bad or jammed starter motor.
A clicking sound when you start your car could suggest a problem with your car`s electrical system. A rapid clicking sound might hint at a battery- or alternator-related issue. A single loud click might mean problems with your starter motor.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

My 2003 ford explorer wont start up just get click click click click click click click click
ANSWER : If the battery is weak and the voltage is dropping to below 9 volts you will get the clicking without the starter turning the motor. Have the battery voltage checked and if battery cannot hold a load then replace it and clean the battery terminals and recheck system to see if it starts.

Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.

Vehicle won’t start, once it’s jump started it only stays running until you turn it off, then it work start again without jumping.
ANSWER : Hi there. There could be two problems here. It is possible that your battery is bad and will not take a charge from your alternator while driving. In that case every time you shut your car off you will not have enough juice to start it again. Inspect your battery – it should have at least 12.5 to 13 volts to start your car, if it doesn’t you will need to replace the battery. The second problem could be that your alternator is bad and not charging your battery, in this case you will need to replace your alternator. Both the battery and the alternator can be tested in your car. If you would like to have the car checked for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the starting problem and proceed with repairs.

Wont start (Click), shift gear from P to R then back to P Starts it, after runs for a while it starts up fine.
ANSWER : Your vehicle has something called a neutral safety switch that will prevent the vehicle from starting when it is in any gear position other than park or neutral. Occasionally, this switch can malfunction causing the car to stall as soon as you put it into any gear. This switch usually also monitors gear selection data as well to transmit back to the computer. This switch is connected to the starter solenoid which allows it to complete the starter circuit only when the transmission is in park or neutral. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

Car won’t start – 2004 Ford Focus
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. Check the battery cables for more corrosion and clean them up again. You may need to put backing soda and water mixture on the terminals to clean the corrosion completely off. Make sure that the cables are tight and also tight on the starter solenoid. By rocking the vehicle back and forth and using the clutch to start the vehicle, this is an indication that the cable on the starter is either corroded or loose. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your starting system, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose and resolve the issue.

My truck died while driving. Now will start, but dies when I push brake. If I start in neutral, I can put in drive and go but dies – 2003 Ford F250
ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest that once your cold start features are no longer needed – engine warming up – there is an air "leak" that ruins low speed running. Causes could be a leaking exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, or leak in the air intake. A failing fuel pump relay (burned contacts) could cause similar behavior, contacts become hot, then won’t pass enough current to run the pump. Failing pump can also act this way – gets hot and fails. I recommend a starts, then dies inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

Hello my Ford Expedition eddie bauer clicks over but does not start.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the battery and see if it has a full charge. Also, check the battery for a load test and see if it holds a load for 30 seconds without dropping below 11.5 volts. If the battery is good, then check the starter to see if the cables are tight and clean. Try tapping on the starter solenoid and see if the engine starts up. If the engine starts up after tapping on the solenoid, then the starter needs replaced. If there is no effect, then the starter relay is getting too hot and needs replaced. If you need further assistance with the starter not engaging for four minutes, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

When jump-starting, there is a clicking noise
ANSWER : The first step would be to have the battery and cables tested to see if they are in need of replacement. If the vehicle is not supplying enough voltage, then the vehicle will not start. The battery may supply enough to power a couple of lights, but the starter and computer systems need full battery power to work correctly. Have a mechanic come and check the battery and starting systems for you and then go from there.