[2000Focus]

2000 Focus ZTS. I bought this car about 6 months ago and everything works perfect except the starting problem has gotten worse. First my startor sounds really weird. Almost like a gear reduction startor. It seems to strain when i start. Replaced the battery with no change. Now on top of that, it now turns over and over alot. Sometimes i stop and try again and it starts within 15-20 sec. My Dad has a 2000 ZX3 and his startor sounds nothing like mine and starts right up with no strain or problem.

Any ideas?

 

[iminhell]

Pull it and have a look at the starter gear. Sounds like it's not engaging all the way or stripped pretty bad.

 

[Blurvfocus]

You're describing a starter that "seems to strain". Sounds to me like the starter is just plain weak. Maybe bad brushes or shorted windings. As far as the eng turning over and over and not starting, is it rolling over fast enough?

I would double check my battery and all my connections, then head into town for a new starter.