coywright

Ok, I have a 2003 that intermittenly has starting problems. Just out of the blue one day, it won't start, just hear a clicking under the hood. Jumping it gets it started. So, took the easy way out, not neccessaryly the cheapest, replaced the battery. Everything seemed ok for several weeks, but then it does it again. Just out of the blue, it won't start, just hear a clicking under the hood. Jumping it got it started again, and then no problems for several days.

No the problem has esclated, today starts fine while going to lunch but while driving the radio stops working when the RPM's get low, pulled over turn the engine off and it won't start, just clicking under the hood. Jump it and it starts again. Get back to the office turn it off, and it won't start, just clicking.

So, I've looked at several of the other posts, to get some ideas of where to start but I'm still undecided.

Where should I start, is it the starter, the solenoid, what? How can I troubleshoot it?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Chopper

You need to get an accurate voltage reading with the engine running and everything turned off.Then a reading with everything turned on.Both should be around 13.5 or so volts.
A digital voltmeter is best to use for this test.

If the readings are lower than the 13.5 volts you might need to look at a new alternator.Ford rebuilds are probably the most reliable and some people also swear by NAPA rebuilds.I would advise you to stay away from the chain store rebuilds as they seem to bring lots of problems.

golden_eye

+1, sounds like your alternator isn't charging the battery fast enough to keep it from dying. I also agree with the high-quality rebuilds. I went through 4 alternators on my truck using the cheap rebuilds. Luckily I didn't pay for any of them except the 1st as they kept failing within the warranty period. The hassle alone of having to keep replacing the alternator was a PITA though.