Won't crank

2004 Taurus SEL. I have never had any issues with this car. It has always run like a champ. Then one day when I went to start it all I heard was a clicking sound. It does not try to turn over. Car has a new battery, and now I just replaced the starter. Same symptoms, it just clicks… Any ideas on what to check next?

Is it a single loud click, a soft click, or a rapid series of clicks? Is the Theft/Security light flashing when you attempt to start it?

-Rod

Is it a single loud click, a soft click, or a rapid series of clicks? Is the Theft/Security light flashing when you attempt to start it?

-Rod

It is the starter solenoid clicking rather loudly. As far as the theft light, I put the key in and it is flashing. When I move it to ‘start’ it seems to go off and the locks lock.

If it was an anti-theft issue wouldn’t it block any power to the starter (and keep that from clicking)?

Many of the PATS systems just shut off the fuel but still allow the starter to engage. But, I don't know what they did in 2004. Since the Theft light flashes rapidly, that would seem to indicate a problem detected by the PATS system.

-Rod