Battery Issue or something else?

[ZZman]

I have a 2001 Taurus with the original battery. It started acting up where at times it would not start but the starter selenoid would make that repeated clicking noise. I was thinking of replacing the starter but I decided to replace the battery first because if you put jumper cables on it the car would immediately start with no clicking sound.

So what do you guys think? A battery issue or a starter in the future?

 

[JHZR2]

could it b e that the terminals arent seated right??? Using the jumpers makes a good enough pathway for electrons to flow, but through the terminals and battery lugs, it does not?

Is there a place nearby that will perform a free "load test" on your battery (with hopes of selling you anew one of course

)?

JMH

 

[Quest]

load-test your battery (preferably with a carbon pile tester) and see what the condition is.

If battery condition is still good, then be suspicious of your starter solenoid going bad.

Also: do not discount the possibly of a weak battery due to charging problems (alternator).

 

[flacoman]

Verify the alternator output connection is good and the plug's connector is clean. Many alternators end up condemned because of this. Ford recommends connector replacement with the alternator.
HTH
Jorge

 

[ZZman]

Well I already bought a battery and had it installed as I had to make a emergency decision as my daughter drives the car away at school and we met half way. I hope it was the right choice but I figured with 7 years on the other battery it was going to be replaced soon anyway.

I also found this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_solenoid

 

[WishIhadatruck]

I just had the same problem in my '01 Grand Prix. Similar anyway. Just a clicking noise all of a sudden with the original battery. It turned out the positive battery terminal was falling out of the battery. Good call on the battery replacement even if something else is wrong also since it probably wouldn't last much longer anyway. I usually replace mine every 6 years regardless just to keep from getting stranded. Luckily this time I was stranded in front of a Tractor Supply Company store. They loaned me tools, an employee good with a wrench, and of course sold me a new battery. Worked out well.

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: flacoman
Verify the alternator output connection is good and the plug's connector is clean. Many alternators end up condemned because of this. Ford recommends connector replacement with the alternator.


Ford stopped using that particular alternator design quite a while ago. The 2001 Taurus in question has a bolt stud for it's output connector, which doesn't have the problems the older alternators did.

(I replaced the alternator in my 1998 Mustang GT...which did have the problematic plug..with one from a 1999 Taurus...which has the bolt stud and about 50 more amps)

 

[flacoman]

No darn kiddin'! Finally worked that kink out

 

[mechtech2]

Obviously connections or bad battery.
If it works fine immediately with a jump, the starter is OK.

 

[Papa Bear]

+1
Battery.... original batteries in pretty well all my cars failed in their 6th year.
Mechtech2 hit the nail on the head.