Intermittent starter cranking problem

[billcu]

My 97 has this cranking problem, when I turn the key to start, the starter just clicks repeatedly. I've seen this before when the terminals needed cleaning or there was a bad cable.

I've ruled these out, as it cranks like a champ when I jump the solenoid to the positive cable at the starter, or if I jump the starter relay contact terminals.

I've traced it down to the MLPS (neutral safety switch) or the SCIL module as that's where the starter relay gets the ground connection to energize when starting. If I jump the ground on the relay, it cranks great then also.

I'll probably start with replacing the MLPS and checking those connections and wires, I hope it's not the SCIL.

Anyone ever have a similar problem?

Since it only happens occasionally, and I want to drive the 97 after winter storage, I connected a couple wires to the relay for a quick start when needed. I tape the ends up and leave them in the power distribution box to make it easy:

 

[tonybrooklyn]

My 97 has this cranking problem, when I turn the key to start, the starter just clicks repeatedly. I've seen this before when the terminals needed cleaning or there was a bad cable.

I've ruled these out, as it cranks like a champ when I jump the solenoid to the positive cable at the starter, or if I jump the starter relay contact terminals.

I've traced it down to the MLPS (neutral safety switch) or the SCIL module as that's where the starter relay gets the ground connection to energize when starting. If I jump the ground on the relay, it cranks great then also.

I'll probably start with replacing the MLPS and checking those connections and wires, I hope it's not the SCIL.

Anyone ever have a similar problem?

Since it only happens occasionally, and I want to drive the 97 after winter storage, I connected a couple wires to the relay for a quick start when needed. I tape the ends up and leave them in the power distribution box to make it easy:

The problem you speak of has only happened to me on one occasion. It was about 3 years back, we had heavy rain storms. Then it got real cold overnight below freezing.
I kept taping the starter it started never did it again. As a matter of fact i had bought a starter. Thinking it would repeat itself. The starter sat on a shelf for three years. I finally put it in when i had pulled the trans to rebuild and j mod it. Funny thing my buddy has a 1998 grand marquis. Its a real hoopty any ways it sat all winter because he didn't wanna fix the starter. I gave him the old one from my mark. I put it in for him car started right up. Go Figure.

 

[driller]

Starter solenoid.