Engine will not crank or turn over, it just clicks one time

2000 FORD MUSTANG

178,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • MANUAL

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

I was on the way to my aunt's and my car started running horribly, it started cutting out and it hardly would go at all, and it was acting like it was losing power or something then it shut off and it wouldn't start. Then I finally got it started then i got down the road and it shut off again, then it wouldn't even crank or turn over at all. it's not the starter for sure because i took it off and took it to AutoZone and they tested it and it came back good and i don't think it's the battery because I just got it a few months ago brand new. I took the battery to Walmart, and they said it was good, but they said the battery did have a low charge. so, I'm charging the battery now than I'm going to go try it again. Also, it's a 12-volt battery, but when I tried to start the car, the battery was dropping down to about 6 volts. so, I don't know if that's good or not cause I'm not a mechanic. but right now, my car won't even crank it just clicks one time. I have been having an idle air control problem and I replaced IAC valve, but it didn't fix the problem and it also has been shutting off every time I come to a complete stop, but it usually started right back up but not this time. so, I don't know what's going on maybe y'all can help me, I'd appreciate it.

Feb 19, 2022 at 4:58 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like the alternator has failed. If it isn't recharging the battery, eventually driving it like that will deplete the power from the battery needed to keep it running.

Now that you are just getting a click, I need you to first confirm the battery terminals are clean and tight. If they are, recharge the battery.

Once it's recharged, it should start. If it doesn't, let me know. Once started, I need you to check the alternator output. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, keep in mind low voltage can be causing the other electrical issues you mentioned.

Take care,

Joe

Feb 19, 2022 at 9:06 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Okay, i will and I'm recharging the battery overnight if it doesn't start in the morning. I will check the alternator and let you know. thank you for responding.

Feb 19, 2022 at 6:17 PM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Also, the battery's terminals are brand new, and they are clean, but I wanted to ask you if it was just a bad alternator, would that be the reason why it does not want to crank or turn over? Because it's not the starter and I don't think it's the battery, but I will find out here in a few hours and get back with you later. appreciate it Joe.

Feb 19, 2022 at 6:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If you are only getting one click, either the battery is weak, the starter is bad (you said it was checked and good) the starter is in wrong causing it to jam and not mesh with the flywheel, or the engine locked.

The reason I am questioning something different is that you hear the click. That tells me the starter relay is sending power to the solenoid on the starter to engage it. It wouldn't click if that didn't happen. Unless the main terminal on the starter is loose or bad and can't handle the load.

Hang in there. We'll figure it out one way or another.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

Feb 20, 2022 at 10:58 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey Joe, I believe I found the problem. I put the battery back on there yesterday, but it was doing the same thing. It just clicked one time. Well, I just kept trying and trying to start it and it finally tried to crank over but it wouldn't start. so, I finally got it started but it was not running good, so I decided to put my FIXD scanner on there to see if there was any codes popping up. well, come to find out it's my camshaft position sensor. The error code is P0340, and it said it would possibly cause a misfire and make the car not start and also make the car not run properly. so, that's pretty much all my issues I've been having so I believe that's the problem. so, I already got the part ordered and I will change it later today and get back with you. Thanks for the response, I appreciate it and i added a few pictures too. Hopefully if anyone else has this problem it might help them one day.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Feb 20, 2022 at 10:04 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

I'm glad you found that. It can cause a misfire or a hard start. However, it won't cause the starter not to engage. What did you do to make that happen?

Joe

Feb 21, 2022 at 11:27 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Well, that wasn't the problem either Joe, but I believe that's why it's been running badly and misfiring. so, I went ahead and changed the camshaft position sensor, and I went ahead and had it towed. It's now in the shop just waiting for a diagnostic report. but now I'm pretty sure the timing chain may have broken which would cause it not to turn over, but I am not sure. I'll keep you updated when I hear something. thanks

Feb 22, 2022 at 3:01 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Well, how i finally got it started was I just kept turning the ignition over and over and over and it finally started, but it was making a loud grinding noise and it wouldn't stay running. so, yeah, I don't know what's going on, but it's in the shop so hopefully they can tell me.

Feb 22, 2022 at 3:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

This is an interesting one. The grinding wasn't coming from the starter motor, was it?

Regardless, let me know what you find out. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

Feb 22, 2022 at 10:34 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Yeah, me too. lol I hope it's not the timing chain, but like I said when I got it started it was making like a loud rattling noise near the crankshaft sensor. i really don't think it's the starter, so I'm thinking maybe the chain jumped or maybe broke some teeth, but I really have no idea. I don't know a whole lot about cars. Also, I just changed the spark plugs in December and the fuel filter and i flushed the radiator and engine, so I've been taking care of the car since I bought it back in 2019 but anyway I will keep you updated as soon as I hear something. thanks

Feb 22, 2022 at 12:23 PM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey, I was going to ask you another question. When you change the camshaft position sensor do you have to sync it? Because the guy at O'Reilly's said something about it but I looked everywhere online and could never find anything that said that. So, I just took the old one off and put the new one on there. I hope it will be okay.

Feb 22, 2022 at 12:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

There isn't a relearn for the camshaft position sensor. I attached the directions below.

Is it possible for you to record what is happening and upload it for me? Also, it was only the sensor that was replaced, correct?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to enlarge)

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Feb 23, 2022 at 6:46 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Thank you and yes that's the only thing I have changed and right now I can't because it's in the shop and I haven't heard anything yet. Hopefully, they will call me tomorrow.

Feb 23, 2022 at 12:14 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Okay, I understand. I asked for the recording because I can usually tell if it is a timing-related issue by listening to it cranking. Have you had any contact with them since it was taken to the shop?

Joe

Feb 24, 2022 at 9:57 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Dang it, i wished I would have taken a video of it and yes, I have they said it would be a few days before they could look at it so it will probably be next week sometime.

Feb 25, 2022 at 1:21 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

No problem. Tell them you need to get something from it and then record what it is doing? If you have an extra key, the vehicle is likely sitting outside, and they won't even know you did it. Or wait until Sunday when they are closed.

Let me know.

Joe

Feb 25, 2022 at 10:11 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Well, they didn't actually tell me why it won't start but supposedly there's a hole in the radiator and metal shavings in the oil, so I guess it's done for idk it doesn't make any since about there being a hole in the radiator, I just put water in there before it went to the shop, and it never leaked out so idk man that's just what they said.

Mar 1, 2022 at 2:37 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Metal shavings in the oil? I assume it was drained. Here is what I suggest. If you can get the vehicle home, I would love to help you check different things to confirm it's beyond repair.

There is a chance the engine is done, but I would be happy to help you confirm it is true.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

Mar 1, 2022 at 11:14 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Okay, I'm going to try to bring it home tomorrow.

Mar 1, 2022 at 6:30 PM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

I think there's a possibility it could be something fixable, but they just didn't want to fix it but i will get back to you as soon as I can.

Mar 1, 2022 at 6:33 PM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

I'm really not sure what they all did, they just told me the radiator was cracked and there are metal shavings in the oil. so, I know that's not a good sign, but it still could be fixable probably, but it might just be cheaper to get another engine. I don't know. we will have to see.

Mar 1, 2022 at 6:35 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Yes, I totally agree with you. If the engine is bad, it will be much less expensive just to replace it.

If you decide to replace it yourself, let me know. I'll help you through it. Also, please let me know if you have questions and if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

Mar 2, 2022 at 9:09 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey Joe, I got my car back and I'm off today and tomorrow and i know i already told you they didn't tell me exactly what was wrong. so, I'm going to figure it out myself. I'm about to start to disassemble the engine to get to the timing chain and see if that's the problem, but I really do believe it is because a failing timing chain could cause.
1. A misfire.
2. Poor performance
3. Rattling sound on starting the engine or idling.
4. Inability to start the engine.
6. Metal shavings in the oil.

Ect....
Also, before my car shut off it was losing power and I had a loss of acceleration, and all of this could be caused by a failing timing chain. so, I'm pretty sure that's what it is, so I'm going to start taking stuff off and I will keep you posted.

Image (Click to enlarge)

Mar 19, 2022 at 8:08 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Sounds like a plan. Do me a favor before taking it apart. Record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. If it is a timing issue, I should be able to hear it.

Also, did they drain the oil to determine there were metal shavings in it? If not, drain it through a strainer to see what is found.

Take care and stay in touch. I'm hoping we can get it going again. At least we can give it a heck of a try.

Joe

Mar 19, 2022 at 12:26 PM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey man, I'm sorry I took everything apart already before I got back to reading your reply. so, I finally got the timing cover off and it was a pain to do so, lol. but the timing chain looks fine but there is a gear that needs to be changed. I believe it is the camshaft drive gear that's attached to the timing chain but I'm not sure that's what AutoZone said it was. but it is in really bad shape also the Camshaft Synchronizer that goes into the oil pump to turn it the gear on that is in bad shape too. so, I'm pretty sure that's what is wrong the gears are just old and need to be replaced, but I thought maybe the oil pump sized up and maybe that's why it caused the gears to grind together. so, I put the camshaft synchronizer back into the oil pump and it turned the oil pump. so, my oil pump is good. I don't know what caused this to happen, like I said, I'm not a mechanic. so, I'm sorry if you get confused if you need any more info just let me know. I will be adding a video and pictures so you can see what I'm talking about. thanks man

Image & Videos (Click to enlarge)

Mar 26, 2022 at 10:56 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Wow, there are a lot of metal shavings. Does it appear it came from the gears you mentioned?

If the timing is correct, we may need to dig further into this. I'm not happy with what I see. I don't know what you have done yet, but you may need to take the oil pan off to see what is in it. It looks like bearing material. I wish I had heard it crank so I could have determined if it sounded like compression-related issues.

Let me know.

Joe

Mar 27, 2022 at 6:31 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey man, I believe the metal shaving is from the gears. I will be pulling the oil pan tomorrow to see what's in it. I bought the camshaft synchronizer Monday, but I'm having trouble finding the other gear that's on the timing chain. I really don't know what the name of it is. AutoZone said it was camshaft drive gear, but I looked that up and couldn't find it. Then my buddy said it is the distributor gear and I looked that up and I found one that looked like it, but it said it was sold out. so, I really don't know the name of it and I was just going to buy a timing chain kit, but it doesn't come with that gear. I don't think anyways but AutoZone said I probably would have to go to the Ford house to get that gear. so, I am going to try that tomorrow. I'm not happy either man because it doesn't make any sense why this happened, to be honest and I'm sorry I wished I would have seen you're reply before I started taking everything apart; hopefully this is all that's wrong with it cause like I said the timing chain looks good.

Mar 31, 2022 at 7:07 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

The car doesn't have a distributor, so no to that. I made a copy of your picture above and numbered each gear. Here is what each one is:

1) Balance shaft gear
2) Camshaft timing gear
3) Crankshaft timing gear
4) Camshaft position sensor drive gear

Let me know which one you are looking for, and I'll see what I can find. It may be nothing, but I'll give it a shot.

Let me know.

Joe

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Mar 31, 2022 at 10:13 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Thanks for doing that, I really do appreciate it. If you can help me, find one, it's the Camshaft position sensor drive gear.

Mar 31, 2022 at 10:23 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

We have two choices for that part. You will need to see if a Ford dealership can get it, or you will need to find one at a salvage yard. There are no aftermarket manufacturers that produce it.

I wish I had a better answer, but I've exhausted my resources and found nothing.

Let me know if you are able to find one. See if there are any of these engines in salvage yards.

Let me know.

Joe

Mar 31, 2022 at 11:35 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

I'll let you know tomorrow. thank you

Mar 31, 2022 at 11:52 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Quick question, do I have to remove the timing chain to get the camshaft position sensor drive gear off? Because I took the bolt out and it didn't come off.

Apr 1, 2022 at 12:30 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

No, the chain shouldn't need to be removed. If you have a plastic hammer, tap on it. There could be corrosion holding it in place. Also, if it's bad, you have nothing to worry about. IF that still doesn't work, you may need to get a puller.

Let me know if you get it.

Joe

Apr 1, 2022 at 6:55 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Hey Joe, do you still want me to remove the oil pan? If so, I will but it's a pain in the but to remove. Plus, I would have to get another gasket and I'm already tired of working on this car, lol. I literally don't know what I'm doing, I'm just watching YouTube videos and my dad helping me when he can, and I still haven't got that gear off. it's stuck on there. I tried to hit it with a hammer but it didn't turn or anything and I have a puller, but it won't fit it or I just don't know what I'm doing. I'm going to try to get everything done this weekend and hopefully put everything back together and hope to God it turns over if not the engine is seized up. Also, should I just get a whole new timing chain kit, or not? My oil pump is okay, but should I go ahead and get another one? because I have seen several people saying you should replace the oil pump, but I don't know. if you think I should than I will but just please give me some recommendations of what I should do, because I don't know at this point. thanks man.

Apr 6, 2022 at 9:26 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

What kind of pulley do you have? It should come off with a small three-jaw puller similar to the one below. (Pic 1).

As far as the oil pan is concerned, I totally understand. The concern is this. Based on the metal shavings you found, there could be a lot in the pan and pump.

Since we don't know exactly what happened, I wouldn't recommend replacing it too much. Instead, try cleaning as best as you can.

Let me know.

Joe

Apr 6, 2022 at 10:26 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Okay, I'll try to go ahead and take the oil pan off Friday after I get off work and clean it out, I plan on flushing the engine out with the cheapest oil a few times to make sure all the shaving are out of the engine too should I go ahead and do that before I take the oil pan off? And also, how would I go about cleaning the oil pump out, do I just use water or something else?

Apr 6, 2022 at 9:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

I think removing the pan is going to tell us a lot. I wish I could have been there and heard what it was doing. That tells me a lot. If the pan is filled with metal shavings, I'm not sure if I would recommend continuing.

Let me know.

Joe

Apr 7, 2022 at 6:18 AM

DYLANCOBB97

MEMBER
23 POSTS

Okay, I agree, to be honest, if there is a lot of metal shavings in the oil pan it's definitely not a good sign and more than likely my engine is seized up but I'll probably go ahead and clean everything than put everything back on and just see if the engine will turn over if not I'm going to find another car to drive for now than engine swap the Mustang when I can. I was planning on putting a v8 in it eventually so now I have a reason to do it. lol, I was just trying to fix it until I save up enough to buy a v8 though because they get expensive. I would just sell this car but I have a title loan on it atm, so I can't really afford that right now. so, I'm hoping this is all that's wrong with it and I told you everything that I know of that happened all it would do was click when I tried to start it and the starter was engaging but it just wouldn't turn over. then I kept constantly turning it off than back on than I finally got it turned over and it was making a loud grinding/rattling noise it sounded like it was coming from the front of the engine so idk but I will get the oil pan pulled tomorrow and let you know.

Apr 7, 2022 at 7:04 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Sounds like a plan. Just be aware. If you plan to change the engine size, that is an entirely new bag of problems. Everything will need to be changed. Things such as wiring harnesses, all control modules, vacuum harnesses, and the list goes on. If you want one with a V8, I would recommend getting one made with the V8.

I'm telling you that the same as I would tell my brother. LOL

Take care,

Joe

Apr 7, 2022 at 1:10 PM

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