97 escort won't start just a click

[sixfigure01]

I tired to start my car and all I get is a click from the solenoid I hear it engaging but it won't start nor turn the engine. I change the starter twice, move the crankshaft to make sure it wasn't lock, change the battery and the post, change the ground cable, and I still get a click every time I turn the key. All my light in my car come on, what should I do next?

[Davescort97]

Is it an automatic or manual? Either your battery is discharged, the wiring to the solenoid and starter is not secure or your engine is siezed. Put a volt meter to your battery. It should read at least 12.6.
Run a jumper lead from the + battery terminal to the small connector marked s on the solenoid. If it cranks either your ignition switch or your clutch switch (If manual transmission) is faulty. It sounds like you've covered pretty much everything else.

[sixfigure01]

if I can turn the crankshaft then it shouldn't be siezed? I'm about to try to run a jumper lead

[Davescort97]

Make sure your car is in neutral before you try the jump lead from the battery to the starter. If the battery is fully charged and the starter doesn't crank the problem is the starter and solenoid. Take it back. If the starter cranks with the jump lead from + Bat. terminal the problem is your ignition switch, your clutch switch or the wiring. You can rule out the clutch switch (Match case size switch coming off your clutch pedal with a plunger on it) by running a lead across it from the wire going in to the wire going out. If your starter cranks with the ignition switch then it is the clutch switch that is bad. If the starter still won't crank it is either the igniton switch or the wiring that is faulty. If your car is an automatic you need to check the neutral safety switch. This switch keeps you from starting in drive. For what it's worth. I personally think your starter isn't getting enough current or it is locked up.

[sixfigure01]

I tried to jump lead the car in park and it just click does that make a difference also I have an automatic

[Speedy_1234]

Well I have a 95 1.9 liter ltx and what happend on my is the wires from the + termainal came loose and when I try to put them back the car started by it self the engine trun but did not start I check if the wires if the were touching ground and postive at the same time but non where all over the car but now the car won't start all i hear is a click too what can it be ?

[sixfigure01]

I begain to think my engine is lock but make sure you try to jump lead your car and see if it's will start

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by sixfigure01

I begain to think my engine is lock but make sure you try to jump lead your car and see if it's will start

I had the same thing on a 1.9 i changed the battery wires, solenoid and starter (still clicked after all that) then found out the battery had a short in it (never thought to check battery for it was about 2 yrs old). brought the battery to autozone to be checked. bought a new battery and was fine after all that time and money for simple fix. Try it let us know.

[Davescort97]

Originally Posted by chevyn0va1

I had the same thing on a 1.9 i changed the battery wires, solenoid and starter (still clicked after all that) then found out the battery had a short in it (never thought to check battery for it was about 2 yrs old). brought the battery to autozone to be checked. bought a new battery and was fine after all that time and money for simple fix. Try it let us know.

If your car clicks using jumper lead you can rule out any problems with switches. This is good. Check if the battery terminals are clean and tight. Charge your battery and have a load test done on it. I think chevynOval has the right idea. It takes a lot of amps to crank a starter.

[Jet-Lee]

mine does the same thing if i got a dirty connection. Did it on my MG, my Bronco, and my 'scort. Check ur connections and make sure they're clean...

[sixfigure01]

I change the connection, I change the wires, I took off the oil pan and turned the fly wheel to make sure the engine wasn't lock and it turned, and had the battery check. still click when I try to start.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by sixfigure01

I change the connection, I change the wires, I took off the oil pan and turned the fly wheel to make sure the engine wasn't lock and it turned, and had the battery check. still click when I try to start.

how did the battey get checked? When i checked the one i had the voltage was good but there was a short that wasnt shown. I took the battery out and brought it to autozone to test it. Like everyone said check the connections with an ohm meter.