clicking noise-starter?

[someguy909]

I have a 98 explorer sport with the 4.0 EFI V6 with over 150,000 miles nd now the problems start! It's a manual tranny and started clicking when I turned the key- but didn't start. Is it my starter? If so, is it hard to change on my own (I normally do oil changes, changed the therm, and other basics) but don't know if I can afford the labor on this one. If so, where is the starter is there a diagram of the engine somewhere out there? I really need help, kinda want to do this over the weekend while I have a few days off.

[way2old]

Is it a fast series of clicks? If it is, look to the battery being weak, cables corroded or the solenoid. If it is a single loud click each time the key is turned to the start position, look to the starter.

[someguy909]

Originally Posted by way2old

Is it a fast series of clicks? If it is, look to the battery being weak, cables corroded or the solenoid. If it is a single loud click each time the key is turned to the start position, look to the starter.

Great! It's a fast series of clicks and I have been having problems with my battery cables being loose and they look a bit corroded. Is that a fairly simple job to complete?

[way2old]

Yes it is. Only takes a few minutes. Clean with a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 cup water. Have battery tested while you are at it. If cables will not tighten up, you can either replace the cables or adapt the ends to fit tight.

[someguy909]

I fixed it-well I actually took it back to Sears and had them replace the battery. After cleaning the connects, I still had that same problem. I feel really silly but I'm glad it's fixed and was inexpensive (free).

Thanks

[way2old]

Thanks for the fix post.