Engine does not crank

2017 FORD ESCAPE
143,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SIMONBIELAZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The car did not crank unless I tapped hard over the starter. Then I replaced the starter and battery, and I can feel the starter some vibration but does not start. Like if something is preventing the gear of the starter from turning.
Feb 9, 2022 at 5:53 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

You may have gotten a bad starter. Is it possible for you to record it so I can hear what it is doing?

Also, there is an easy way to check the starter. There will be a heavy gauge wire from the battery directly to it. There will also be a smaller wire. The large wire has 12v at all times. The smaller wire (trigger wire) will only have power with the key in the start position.

IF you have a helper turn the key to the start position and you do have power at the smaller wire, the starter is bad, or something was jammed when it was installed. Or the engine is locked, and it can't turn it. (unlikely)

Here is a link that will help you check the starter for power. Do this and let me know the results.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe
Feb 10, 2022 at 6:32 PM
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SIMONBIELAZ
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Joe, thank you for the reply. Somehow, I did not receive the notification of this message, sorry for the delay. When I turn, I feel a clicking on the brand-new starter. I'm not sure if there is something electrical that is preventing the starter from turning with the right amount of power. I will test with a voltmeter all wires.
Feb 18, 2022 at 5:52 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

When you installed the new starter, did it seem to mount easily and fully? If it did, I would recommend removing it and having it bench tested at the parts store that sold it to you. I have a feeling you got a bad starter.

The idea that you feel the click tells me you are getting power to the solenoid. So, either we have a bad starter, a weak connection between the battery positive and the starter, the engine is locked up, or the gear is unable to mesh with the flywheel for some reason.

Let me know.

Joe
Feb 18, 2022 at 8:51 PM