Engine wont turn over at all, when I turn to ignition all I hear is a quick clicking sound

BIGMIKE101

MEMBER
1983 FORD MUSTANG
3.8L
V6
RWD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

Hi, I am a new Ford owner and bought this car second hand and was running fine once I got it and then about five months or so later, it wont start anymore. The engine wont turn over at all, when I turn to ignition all I hear is a quick clicking sound which I think is the starter. Could the problem be the battery not putting out power or do I have a bad starter? I do not think the problem is my battery because the amp reader is normal and does not appear to be low.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

You have some misunderstanding on how the systems work. If you are hearing a rapid, repeating clicking sound, like a loud buzzing, that is usually not due to a bad starter. Most commonly it is caused by one shorted cell in the battery, a discharged battery, loose or corroded battery cable connections, or a battery cable that is badly corroded under the insulation at one of the terminals. On Ford products that is most likely to occur to the terminal that bolts to the starter.

The place to start is by measuring the battery's voltage with a digital voltmeter. If you do not have one yet, Harbor Freight Tools has a perfectly fine one for less than ten bucks. They often go on sale for as little as three bucks. A good, fully-charged battery will read 12.6 volts. If you find close to 12.2 volts, the battery is good but badly discharged. Charge it at a slow rate for an hour or two. When you are done charging it, turn the head lights on for about ten seconds to remove the "surface charge" which can give a false "good" reading. Measure the voltage again. If it is close to 12.6 volts, try cranking the engine.

If the engine starts, measure the battery voltage again while the engine is running. You must find between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. Based on these readings, we will figure out where to go next.