2001 Ford Windstar - will not start. "Clicking" but will not turn over. Replaced the starter/solenoid unit. Battery is charged. 230,000 miles, regular oil change. What next?

does it have the halo around the ignition switch for anti theft? ive seen a lot of those fail and need replaced. on a side note be careful jumping the start on those vans,if the ecm doesnt start it sometimes it wont shut it off either. could be the resistor in the key too.

Remove the starter relay, check for power at terminal, continuity to starter solenoid, and one more thing-jump relay terminals until you get the clicking noise of the starter solenoid trying to engage. If you hear the click at the starter but still won't turn over, tap the starter solenoid two or three times lightly. Check for power at starter lug. Loose terminals at the battery or corrosion is also of importance.

This procedure usually works:

• Check the battery cable connections:

Make sure the positive cable, makes a good connection at the battery and at the starter. Make sure the negative cable makes a good ground connection at the battery and (preferably) at the engine.

• Check the battery the simple way, like this:

Turn on the headlights, then try to start the car.If the headlights do not dim or go out, then the battery is likely ok.

• Check the starter and solenoid:

If the wiring looks ok, then look at the starter solenoid for a good connection, and proper voltage at the starter(10 volts minimum while cranking).
If the starter spins and no crank, the problem is most likely the Solenoid's bendix gear is stuck.
Have someone hit (not too hard) the starter while you try to start the car. This usually works by dislodging a stuck bendix gear.

• Make a simple test of the alternator:

If you can, somehow get the engine running, measure the voltage at the battery. It should be at least 13.6 volts to properly charge the battery.

This is just a suggestion for a start, this problem is sometimes caused by the Trans-axle Positioning solenoid. It's a place to begin after a new starter has been installed and it still won't turn over.

fuel filter or fuel pump maybe coil pack

That's the starter solenoid, check connection at battery, if good, turn headlights on, try to start, if lights don't dim, bad starter.Starter solenoid working, starter motor no good.

you must have put the cable on the wrong side of the solenoid

Check battery voltage (should be at least 12v at battery and starter terminal) If 12v, check to see if you can turn the engine by hand (ign off) If you can't then it's locked up. (internal problem) Also, starter may be defective...just because its in a box, dosen't mean it's good (sad fact)
Hope it's a bad unit...better than a doa engine!!!
Good luck with it!

The clicking noise is most likly the starter solinoid cycling in and out. This is due to low battery voltage. charge the battery, then have the battery and charging system tested. Some auto supply stores will do this for free for you in the hopes of selling parts

good luck

sounds like maybe the starter's has gone bad, that would explaine the grinding but not the hazards