Mustang starting problem

You all helped so much last time, I'll give it another shot. ;-)

I have a '99 mustang that is having problems starting. When I turn the key I get a clicking sound. We have recently had the alternator replaced and a new battery installed, so I am wondering if maybe it has something to do with one of those components or their installation. From what I have read, a clicking noise when starting can be from the starter relay, usually due to a weak battery or a bad connection. I originally just assumed the battery was dead, so I tried jump starting it, and it didn't seem to help. When I turn on the headlights on full beam, they seem to be plenty bright. I remember when I had alternator problems, the headlights were not very bright, and dimmed considerably over a minute or two. That is not the case now, my battery seems to be strong enough to keep the lights on for several minutes, with no noticable dimming. The battery meter shows up on the high end of the scale, so I'm thinking it may not be power related. I know very little about vehicles, and was wanting to see if there is something I could do before having to pay to have it towed to a mechanic. If it is something simple that I can check and fix on my own, my pocketbook would surely appreciate it. Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks for all your help, Matt

Reply to
Matt
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A clicking starter solenoid usually means low battery, but you seem to have checked that already. The jump start should have helped.

If you turn the lights on and try to start it, do they dim severely? If they do, you probably have a starter problem (since it clicks but does not turn).

If your lights don't dim, then the starter isn't pulling much current and it could be the starter solenoid, connections, or again, the starter.

Those comments constitute my 2 cent counsel

Reply to
HLS

Look for bad starter solenoid or starter itself. Do the lights dim considerably when you try to start the car? If so, points more to bad starter.

Also look for possible corroded ground strap from the engine to the body.

Matt wrote:

Reply to
Mike Behnke

Thanks to you both for the replies. That makes sense, I will check it this evening.

Thanks again, Matt

Reply to
Matt

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