Starter not engaging

Tiny
MCMURER
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD ESCORT
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
Battery drained, bad brake switch. Replaced the switch button only and started car but did not tighten battery posts. Car would not start an hour later. Appeared to be a dead battery. Recharged, tired to jump, tried known good battery. Starter would just click once and that is it. Put in new starter, same thing. Turn on ignition and hear one small click and nothing else. Now this is the interesting part: Turn ignition on all dash light come on, door chime works. Turn to start all light go off except the engine light, wait twenty seconds and it all comes back on, but still will never turn the starter.
Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 AT 10:02 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try resetting security system that may be cause. See link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
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  • 3 POSTS
I did mention I have replace the starter and put in an donor battery. This involves disconnecting the old battery thus resetting any security system.
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Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 AT 1:55 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
At the starter with the key in the start position do you have battery voltage at the black wire with a red stripe?
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Friday, February 3rd, 2017 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
MCMURER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
This has been slow process since this is my sons car away at college. Checking the small wire at the starter solenoid is the next step. If there is No power to the blk/red wire could this mean the ignition switch assembly needs replacing? Keep in mind all fuses have been checked including the 100amp
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Monday, February 20th, 2017 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It can be starter relay or the neutral swich so check to see if power there. I'm on vacation so repost your question but copy what I have suggested
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Monday, February 20th, 2017 AT 3:20 PM

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