Random clicking starts in the upper left dashboard?

SSHRIBER

MEMBER
2005 FORD FOCUS
2.4L
2WD
MANUAL
126,000 MILES

The lights flicker, radio too, the motor turns off and on rapidly. Sometimes it will not start after this. I have replaced the alternator, ground wires, and one relay. It runs great other than this. I can't figure out what it is. Any ideas?

Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 9:25 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

Does the flickering power affect all electrical components? Also, when you say the engine turns on and off rapidly, does it feel like a misfire or does the engine shut down and then restart?

As far as the clicking, which relay was replaced? The central junction box is located under the dash on the left side (see pics below). However, I'm not seeing anything that would cause the engine to act up.

Let me know.

Joe

see pics below.

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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 8:43 PM

SSHRIBER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

When the clicking noise starts, I think it affects all electrical equipment. The motor turns off and on as if you turned off the ignition and turned it on again. I changed a relay under the hood. As I recall it was the second one down on the left. I haven't changed any under the dash.

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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 5:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

No problem. When you hear the clicking, place a finger on one relay at a time to try to determine which one is causing the clicking.

Try that and let me know if you can locate it and which one it is. The idea that everything electrical is affected leads me to think it is a poor connection close to the battery or in the main fuse box.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 6:46 PM