2002 Ford Windstar Rapid Clicking

2002 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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SP
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  • 1 POST
Hi,

No problems with a 2002 Windstar, 63,000 miles, until now. Turn the key, lights, stereo, engine diagnostics all working. Crank the engine...get a rapid clicking noise but engine doesn't fire. Turn off key. Try again, same noise, but not as loud. Turn off key. Try third time, engine fires and runs fine. Clicking noise seems to come from top of engine area around carbuerator (definitely not in the area of the starter) Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks!
Aug 11, 2006 at 6:21 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
[quote:a23edf23ef="sp"]Hi,

No problems with a 2002 Windstar, 63,000 miles, until now. Turn the key, lights, stereo, engine diagnostics all working. Crank the engine...get a rapid clicking noise but engine doesn't fire. Turn off key. Try again, same noise, but not as loud. Turn off key. Try third time, engine fires and runs fine. Clicking noise seems to come from top of engine area around carbuerator (definitely not in the area of the starter) Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks![/quote:a23edf23ef]

I would check for a bad connection on your battery cables. Clean any corrosion and make sure they are tight. Also have your battery and altenator system tested. Most auto parts stores will do that for free.
Usually a loud clicking noise when trying to start means a low battery of bad connection. The clicking should be coming from the starter relay.
Aug 11, 2006 at 7:12 AM

Suggested Repair

Clean and tighten the battery cable connections, removing any corrosion, and have the battery and alternator tested. Rapid clicking when cranking usually indicates a low battery or poor connection and typically comes from the starter relay.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 Windstar with 63,000 miles reported rapid clicking when turning the key, while lights, stereo, and diagnostics still worked. The engine failed to start on the first two attempts but started and ran normally on the third. The owner believed the noise came from the top of the engine rather than the starter. The expert advised checking the battery cables for corrosion and tightness and testing the battery and alternator, explaining that clicking usually indicates a low battery or bad connection and normally comes from the starter relay.

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