Weirdest thing...I bought the car about 6 weeks ago, seemed to be relatively issue free, aside from basic little things that non-**** people tend to let go. Over the past couple of weeks, it's been getting progressively harder to start. Once it catches, it's fine. The problem is actually getting it to crank.

At first, it was just an every now and then thing, where I'd hit the key, it would click, but not crank. Let it go, hit and it again and it would catch and fire right up. Now it's to the point that I have to do this 15 or 20 times before it cranks. Today, I found if I hold the key on start for about 2-3 seconds, it will catch every time like that. And again, once it starts cranking, it will fire right up, usually in less than 1 full turn of the crank. It sure doesn't seem like a weak battery or starter, based on how quick the engine cranks over.

I've checked all the basics - wires look good, connections are clean and tight. I'm getting good voltage at the battery and starter. I haven't yet checked amp draw at the starter, as my big meters are still in Detroit. I was sure the solenoid was going bad, until I found the "if I hold it" method to start. Being that none of my local parts stores carry just the solenoid (although I haven't yet checked starter/alternator rebuild shops), I was thinking about picking up a remote Ford style solenoid and wiring that in. I figured if nothing else, it would at least get the solenoid away from the heat of the engine and exhaust.

 

That sounds like a solenoid issue though even know you can get it to start. Have a friend that has a similiar problem it just tic a few times every once in a while when starting. He replaced the solenoid and problem solved.