So, I tried to start my car. I heard 1 click, and that was it. I thought it was a weak battery, since I have a propensity to leave electrical things, such as headlights, on overnight. So, I jumped the vehicle with my other one. I tried, immediately, to start it. Turn key. Heard one click. Repeat. One click. Repeat. One click. about the 5th time, it started. So, since I thought I was on the correct path, I let it drop, went to work in my other vehicle, and waited till the weekend. I put the battery on my charger, and let it go at that.
Next time I tried to start the NY, I went through the exact same jumping procedures with the exact same results. About the 5th time, it started.
So, I thought that the battery was dead. I swapped the batteries, and the NY gave me the one click, won’t start scenario. The other vehicle started like magic.
OK. So, I switched the batteries back. Now, when I jump it, it will not start. But, I still get my one click.
So, I’m hoping that it is just a loose connection, but, I’m also guessing a solenoid or starter problem is where my problem lies.
What sayest thou?
Have someone get under the car with a rubber mallet or a big stick and hit on the starter while you try to crank it. If cranks then is definitely a bad starter.
At least that is the way the mechanics do it at auto auctions.
Our Town and Country was doing this - we’d just get a click when we started it - here is what my husband did to fix it:
Keeping in mind he always starts with the cheapest repair, he replaced the connections to the battery - he noticed they were corroded. That did the trick.
Sounds kinda simple, but hey - it’s worked ever since. And I didn’t have to buy a starter.
Maybe I’m just a big old fraidy cat, but I can think of many other places I’d rather be when an engine starts up than right underneath the car. Like in a sealed room with dozen Asian hornets. Pretty sure it’s just an irrational fear of…something, I really have no idea what though.
ETA: But yeah, starter.
Right: I meant that the guys are banging on the solenoid, not just the starter housing.
ETA: okay, why is it that when I click on “quote” for your post, it doesn’t show up in the reply? Are you a stealth poster?
I am having the same problem with my 1969 Camaro. I have a brand new battery and a brand new starter, When I turn the key I get a single loud click, almost like with a weak battery. Is it possibly that is is just a bad ground wire? I was going to pull the starter again and test it to see if it was working correctly. I put the car away for the winter and it ran fine. Now that I tried starting it again it just does not want to start. - it’s a 1969 Camaro - Automatic transmission with a 307 Motor. whatever pointers would be greatly appreciated! I do not want to take it to a garage. I want to be able to fix it myself!
When was the starter replaced? Did the car used to start properly with the current starter or was the starter replaced in response to the clicking? If you just replaced the starter, then it might be binding up because it’s not shimmed properly. If the car used to start ok with the starter that’s in it now then it shouldn’t be a shimming problem.
As far as wiring goes, it could be a bad wire, either the ground or the hot going to the starter. It could also be a bad wire going to the starter solenoid. It could also be a bad connection at the battery or at the starter.
