[ThraxXx]

Ok here is the deal

I have a 2001 Ford Focus LX Sedan. This problem started on wednesday. When you go to start the car it just ticks over and over. Sometimes it will start but it doesn't seem to wanan start all the time. My dad thought it was the battery so I attempted a boost and no go. Now we are thinking its the solenoid. can someone tell me where the solenoid is located on the focus sedan with a SPI engine?

[zx5power]

starter is toast use a screwdriver to start it to travel to a shop if you dont plan on doing the change yourself.

[ThraxXx]

how exactly do you start the car with a screwdriver?

[zx5power]

touch the two terminals of the solenoid of the starte using the screwdriver as a jumper , or use a jumper wire

[ThraxXx]

where is the solenoid?

on the old tempo it was on the sidewall by the battery...where are they located in the focus? Can I get to it from the top or do I need to have the car up on jackstands?

[zx5power]

Top

http://www.myfordfocus.com/how-to/starter.htm

that should help

[laidman]

If you rig it right, you could wire up the solenoid into a push button starter, thats only if you don;t have to money to fix it.

[Flofocus]

Try a new battery before you start messing with the starter.


EDIT: Your battery cant be boosted, try trickle charging it, or just buy a new one. I store my car for 4-6 months, when the battery is completely dead, that is the sound it makes. I trickle charge it for 24 hours, slap her in and Im good to go. Original 7 yeard old battery to. :)

[Focus man. Focus.]

My car has been parked for 6 or 7 weeks since my health problems started. I went outside to start the car the other day and I got the same thing. It turned over real slow than tick tick tick. I had to get a boost to start it. I would have taken it for a drive to charge the battery but having my licence on hold due to medical reasons I couldn't. So I let it run for about 45 minutes at various RPM's hoping to charge the battery. I shut it off and started it and it was fine. 2 days later same thing. I think I need a battery.

[Flofocus]

I have a cheap charger from CT, they go on sale really often, I would suggest picking one of these up.

[redZX3]

yup, its the starter.....just had it happen to me a few days ago

[zx5power]

if it was the batt a boost would have done the trick , its the starter

[Flofocus]

zx5power,Apr 7 2007, 11:53 AM Wrote:if it was the batt a boost would have done the trick , its the starter
[right][snapback]233686[/snapback][/right]

lol.

No it wouldn't have. A totally dead bat wont boost.

Thraxx, trust me...go and try a new battery, there a lot less than a starter and less of a PITA to replace. Start with the easiest thing 1st ;) If that doesnt work, move onto the starter.

Is it a fast ticking noise?

[xappie]

Can't you use a voltmeter to test the battery?

[st_two_007]

If you hear the selonoid ticking that's telling you it's working the problem is generally that you don't have enough power eitheir from the battery end or if the starter is drawing too much amps for whatever reason

[ThraxXx]

Well ... it ends up that it wasn't the starter...my neighboor came over and pulled the starter and did the no load test and she works. We tested my battery and it was faulty. I replaced the battery and its working like a charm now.

[Flofocus]

zx5power,Apr 7 2007, 11:53 AM Wrote:if it was the batt a boost would have done the trick , its the starter
[right][snapback]233686[/snapback][/right]

What was that? :lol:

You made this guy pull his starter. Tisk, tisk

[naz]

i think you could have bought a voltmeter for $10 at sears and like.. saved yourself a bunch of trouble.. like.. you could just take a reading with the battery just sitting there.. take another reading when you are trying to start.. probably would have seen the voltage is too low when you are starting.. and booya.. root cause right there...