Damn starter

[93STX]

I replaced this thing once before, and now it's acting up again. It just clicks, like the battery is dead, but it's not. I have to knock the hell outta the starter just to get it to work, and it's too cold for this shit now. Anyone else had any problems with multiple starters before? If so, why?
Thanks.

 

[KELLY88]

Sounds like a problem with the solenoid or an electrical connection. Check the 2 terminals at the starter for corrosion or a weak connection.

 

[thegoat4]

Got a volt meter? Check your voltage across the battery terminals while cranking. Or trying to, anyway. Then check your voltage across the starter posts while cranking.

12.6-ish across battery, and 12.0 or less across the starter posts indicates a cable problem. Corrosion, damage ground strap, terminals pulling loose, etc. Many times you'll see the voltage at the starter drop as low as 4V when cranking if a cable is really bad.

About 12.2 or less across the battery terminals and about the same across the starter terminals means a discharged battery. Either the battery is toast, your alternator isn't charging it properly, or you have a draw somewhere, killing your battery while parked. Charge the battery and test it. A fast charge on a deeply discharged lead-acid battery will shorten battery life, especially when cold. If you have the time, leave it on a trickle charge for a day or so.

12.6-ish or better in both places indicates a failed starter or failed relay in the start circuit. Be careful about smacking it with a hammer as that can cause internal failures more easily than you'd expect.