Faults in the Ford Focus start system

Malfunctions in the starting system are manifested in the abnormal operation of the starter. The following five main starter malfunctions can be distinguished.

1. The starter does not turn on. Reasons - blown fuse F13 in the fuse and relay box installed in the engine compartment, broken contact connections, open or short circuit in the starter switching circuits, malfunction of the traction relay.
2. When the starter is turned on, multiple clicks are heard. The reasons are a malfunction of the holding winding of the traction relay, the battery is very discharged, the contact connections in the starter circuit are loose.
3. The starter turns on, but its armature either does not rotate or rotates slowly. Causes - the battery is discharged, the contact connections are broken, the contacts of the traction relay are burnt, the collector is dirty or the brushes are worn out, interturn or short circuit in the windings.

4. The starter turns on, its armature rotates, but the flywheel remains stationary. The reasons are loosening of the starter attachment to the clutch housing, damage to the teeth of the flywheel or drive gear, slipping of the drive freewheel, breakage of the lever, drive ring or buffer spring of the starter drive.
5. The starter does not turn off after starting the engine. The reasons are a malfunction of the starter freewheel, sintering of the contacts of the traction relay. In the event of such a malfunction, stop the engine immediately!
These malfunctions require qualified intervention in a car service or upon arrival at the garage. You can first check only the degree of discharge of the battery using a voltmeter (for example, as part of an autotester) and the tightness of the contact connections in the starter circuit.

Source: Operation, maintenance and repair manual in photographs series "Repair without problems" Third Rome