My mustang won't turn over?

157,000 MILES
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MUSTANGSALLY13
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  • 2 POSTS
This morning my car just clicked when I went to start it? The headlights are on but very dim? What could it be?
Oct 17, 2011 at 12:37 PM
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THIS IS MIKE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 686 POSTS
It sounds like your battery is very low. Charge the battery and have it tested along with the alternator to make sure it is charging. Batteries don't last forever and do need to be replaced every few years.
Oct 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM
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CARADIODOC
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  • 34,413 POSTS
Bad battery, good but discharged battery, or loose or dirty battery cables.

Was that real fast repeated clicking or just one single click each time you turned the ignition switch?
Oct 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM
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MUSTANGSALLY13
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  • 2 POSTS
It was the repeated clicks, like it wanted to turn over but couldn't.
Oct 17, 2011 at 12:48 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
Grab an inexpensive digital voltmeter and measure the battery voltage. It should be 12.6 volts if it's fully charged.

If you find closer to 12.0 volts, the battery is good but discharged. Either something drained the battery while the engine was off or there's a problem with the charging system. The next step is to check the charging system. The battery voltage should rise to 13.75 to 14.75 volts with the engine running. If it's low, we have to diagnose that system.

If the engine will not start with jumper cables hooked to another car or with a battery charger, and it makes the same noise, that leaves loose or corroded cable connections.
Oct 17, 2011 at 7:51 PM
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