09 Escape starting issues. Help please.

[rumblecloud]

Brand new battery. Direct replacement. 12.35V.
Turn key to start position and sometimes just a "click." More often than not, it starts right up. it's intermittent and not repeatable - at least so far.
The obvious things:
starter solenoid,/motor.
Wire connections at the starter motor.
Next the ignition switch.

Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.

Thanks.
r

 

[scotts90ranger]

So are you saying you replaced the starter? It sounds like starter to me, happened to the wife's Camry, brushes were worn out too much (I had to investigate) and weren't contacting the stator consistently but would sometimes.

 

[rumblecloud]

Haven't replaced anything yet. Trying to get my head around it. Reason being a couple of instances when turning the key to the on position, some of the alert lights that come on at start up did not come on. According to some research (AI) , that action leads to a bad or warn ignition switch.
Regardless, even if I replace the starter motor/solenoid (one piece) and the ignition switch, it's around $150.
The starter motor replacement is a bitch because of all the "protective measures" Ford has taken to prevent you from gaining easy access to said starter motor

I really like this little SUV. Never had an ounce of trouble with it Wife loves it. It's her daily. So I gotta get it right cuz she does not do well behind the wheel of the lifted 150.