'05 Escape starting problem

[65val]

Hi all. '05 Escape 3.0L is developing a problem during starting. When you turn the key to "Start", I hear a relay/solenoid clicking rapidly as the starter is turning over. The engine does start, but it seems to be getting a bit harder to start lately. Is there a relay/solenoid somewhere that I can start checking? Thanks all.

[rustydogy]

I believe the solenoid is located on the starter but you may want to look fore bad ground strap from engine to body also / you may also check the battery it may be getting week

[65val]

Thanks rustydogy. I'll check that ground. Battery is good...starter spins at correct speed, just getting this rapid clicking sound from a relay or solenoid as it's spinning. I was originally thinking it might be in the ignition switch in the column, but I'd like to check the easier stuff first!

[rustydogy]

Assuming the place did properly ( load test ) your starter, And that battery was ( load tested ) and both are good,That's all off the top of my head I can think of, Either a bad ground ,,or your pos cable is breaking down given the age its possible for that to happen, It would be possible that the wire from the switch to the solenoid is not carrying enough power too , but with every ford ive ever had its ben a ground tpy of thing