Hi everyone.

Here's my problem with my 2005 Freestar.
Everything's been going great. I got into it on Monday morning, it turned over but not enough to catch. I turned the key again and got clicking nothing but clicking sounds.

Boosted it the next day and let it run in the drive way for about 10 minutes.
Tried retsarting it and nothing.

Even while idling it lights were flickering and I could hear sparatic clicking.
Tonight, went out and the power locks wouldn't even unlock the doors. Dome light wouldn't light.
Boosted it and took it for a ride for a couple of miles.
Clicking was getting worse engine nearly stalled once or twice.
Got back home shut it off, then nothing. Dome lights, locks etc dead.

What's the most likely cause?

Alternator, battery, electronic problem?
Would disconnecting and reconnecting the batter reset something?
(I'm more of a PC guy than car guy so that was the first thing to pop into my head )

Thanks for any replies.

PS: 4.2L engine with 145,000km.

 

My guess would be a dead/dying battery. What is the battery voltage before trying to start?

Quick battery run down...

Even though Ford uses what they call "MAINT FREE" batteries, the batteries are serviceable (can add distilled water toi the cells to maintain proper fluid level). You probably have low water/electrolyte in the battery cells. This starts cell sulfation. A good battery should have about 12.5vdc prior to starting and only drop down to normally no lower than 11.3vdc while starting. The alternator should be putting out 13.5-14.5vdc right after starting the vehicle, than taper down as the battery charges and load drops. If not, you may have a nad alternator. If you have low voltage while running, this will also cause the engine to spit, sputter and die as you need the voltage and amperage to operate the injectors and other elctronics...On and on and on...

 

Turns out it was the battery.
It was only registering 7.x volts when trying to start. After boosting it again I connected an amp clamp borrowed from a friend and the alternator was registering in the vicinity of 40 amps.
Changed the battery and everything appears to be running just fine.

Thanks for the response.

 

No problem...I like easy fixes.

Just a smidge of battery info: Since most people didn't and don't like doing any type of maintenance on their vehicle, the manufactures started years ago with the 100,000 mile maintenance free addage for plugs/wires and such along with the maintenance free battery. The only true maintenance free battery is a sealed unit. If it has removable caps, the battery can be maintained and average about 10-14 years of service provided it's topped off properly with distilled water. Batterties that live in hot climates need to be checked more often than their cooler climate counterparts as the electrolyte evaporates faster out of the cells. I check and top off my batteries every May and October. I personally get between 12-14 years out of a battery. You will have the occational battery that just plain fails. I also stick with the MOTORCRAFT brand from Ford as they are competatively priced and can come with a better warrany including towing, testing and replacement.

Happy trails...