Click when I turn the key but nothing else

2000 FORD CONTOUR
170,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHRIS HYAMS
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  • 1 POST
Car has a new battery and starter. Positive wire running to the starter gets hot and has even melted before.
Apr 9, 2022 at 9:55 PM
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STEVE W.
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  • 15,113 POSTS
As the wire gets hot, we know that power is going to the starter. However, it sounds like it is grounded out at that end, or the starter is locked. The first thing will be to verify that the engine will turn by hand. If it were locked up the starter would engage and stick, and you would hear the solenoid, but the starter wouldn't turn. If you can turn the engine by hand, I would remove the starter and bench test it to be sure it turns. The way parts are these days it's becoming common for them to be bad straight out of the box. Also check the ground side cable is clean and tight at both ends.
Apr 10, 2022 at 5:12 AM