just bought a 99 lumina ltz with the 3.8. it starts when it wants to. if it doesnt start i come back 20 minutes later and it usually starts. no security. i turn the key and everything but the starter goes on. it sounds like a clicking from the front, almost like the starter relay is bad, but im looking for suggestions as well as if the starter relay is a possibility and where its located.

 

Possibly the starter solenoid. Best thing Ford did was move the solenoid from the starter.

 

would it require a new starter?

 

No, but possibly a new solenoid. If your not sure, I'd suggest the whole unit (stater, with solenoid) there is ways to test them, but since your asking I'd not suggest you try them.

 

r one of the ways of testing, jumping the starter with say a screwdriver?

 

Yes it is

 

im assuming that would mean its just the solenoid correct?

 

i just jumped the car from the solenoid on the starter and it fired up. what does that mean? that the starter is bad?

 

does it start cold? If so, and what you've posted (hot) I'd say the solenoid.

 

yea it starts cold, i havent tried starting it cold from the solenoid, but like i said in my original post. its anyones guess if it starts or not.