Starter clicks but doesn't spin

Asked by mikeofoster Dec 02, 2014 at 10:47 AM about the 2003 Ford Focus SE Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

We have recently had alternator trouble (replacement installed), coil pack went out
right after (replacement installed).  Now the starter has started acting up,  cranks
fine most of the time.  However on occasion, it only clicks.  I thought originally that
the solenoid was going bad but this morning I watched under the hood while my
lady hit the switch and with each click, the engine bumped just a fraction. I'm not a
mechanic by no means but I've never seen this happen and I have worked on a lot
of engines in my life.   I'm thinking starter now.  Mike

2 Answers
10,985

ytlas answered 9 years ago

Starter solenoid. Usually cheaper to buy a starter setup instead of just the solenoid and change it. If you have a multimeter you can put the positive lead on the positive terminal of the starter solenoid and the negative lead on a ground and have someone turn the key. If it's getting 12 volts, then it's the solenoid.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Ford Focus

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Ford Focus Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,260
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,570
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,370
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Fiesta
164 Great Deals out of 1,889 listings starting at $2,996
Used Honda Civic
1,333 Great Deals out of 29,658 listings starting at $1,571
Used Ford Escape
2,255 Great Deals out of 45,110 listings starting at $971
Used Ford Mustang
876 Great Deals out of 23,123 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota Corolla
1,556 Great Deals out of 24,231 listings starting at $1,322
Used Toyota Camry
2,110 Great Deals out of 37,893 listings starting at $700
Used Honda Accord
1,466 Great Deals out of 29,736 listings starting at $1,075
Used Hyundai Elantra
926 Great Deals out of 25,908 listings starting at $1,500
Used Ford F-150
5,939 Great Deals out of 125,186 listings starting at $1,995
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
160 Great Deals out of 3,962 listings starting at $2,995
Used Mazda MAZDA3
517 Great Deals out of 11,983 listings starting at $2,200
Used BMW 3 Series
1,112 Great Deals out of 13,087 listings starting at $1,500

Used Cars for Sale

2018 Ford Focus For Sale
61 Great Deals out of 789 listings starting at $4,950
2017 Ford Focus For Sale
60 Great Deals out of 716 listings starting at $5,199
2016 Ford Focus For Sale
55 Great Deals out of 652 listings starting at $4,170
2015 Ford Focus For Sale
35 Great Deals out of 543 listings starting at $2,995
2014 Ford Focus For Sale
75 Great Deals out of 892 listings starting at $1,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.