trying to start and... click click click

[robertc1024]

How about just laying a screwdriver across the solenoid terminals (in neutral of course?) If that spins your starter every time, I'd think it would at least eliminate the starter. I'm with the dying battery though. If your starter was engaged to the flywheel, you'd know it because of the sound.

 

[exbass94]

I've experienced this problem before on 2 different vehicles. Both times it was a bad starter.

 

[Andy D]

Start at the battery with a test light. Make sure the connections are clean and tight If you can wiggle a battery connection, That is the problem Check all the ground straps between the battery and the starter. Green powder is a trouble sign . Repeat checking out the positive cable. Hit each connection with your test light. My Jeep's 360 V8 came with a Ford starter. Inside the starter are a set of contacts that close to engage the starter. if those contacts are burned .. a click is a cruddy connection . Now you just gotta find it. Have somebody turn the key while you listen for what clicks

 

[Ak907Girl]

BATTERY.... Lima Bean yelled at me for the small amount of currosion on my battery... LOL if those connections aren't perfect, they aren't good enough... per Lima Bean! LMAO! If you just turn the key to the on position and not try to start it, do your battery, check engine, and other light stuff come on?

 

[LIMA BEAN]

BATTERY.... Lima Bean yelled at me for the small amount of currosion on my battery... LOL if those connections aren't perfect, they aren't good enough... per Lima Bean! LMAO! If you just turn the key to the on position and not try to start it, do your battery, check engine, and other light stuff come on?

YELLED lmao. Just like a woman to turn things around, it was YOUR connection... I simply made you fix it THE RIGHT WAY.

 

[Ak907Girl]

yeah, well... battery is clean, my check engine light has decided it doesn't have an off switch.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

yeah, well... battery is clean, my check engine light has decided it doesn't have an off switch.

Well we have to see what code it threw for sure then check stored codes, then we will turn it off. THEN we will see what other kinda shit you can tear up

 

[RatDog8o8]

THEN we will see what other kinda shit you can tear up

Do you really want to throw a challenge like that out to her?

 

[bert296]

Have somebody turn the key while you listen for what clicks

we did this and its the solenoide the plunger in it. i also tried the screw driver across the termanals and nothing happened no click no starter engagement.
im thinking for some reason it doesnt work when its cold out cause i went out today and it did the same thing started to turn over and then stopped just click i pushed it down my driveway popped the clutch and started right up and now it starts everytime so im thinking starter is junk ill have to buy a new one to see hopefully it works if it dont im out $120 bucks

 

[88SXT]

bump starting it like that wont tell you shit, all you're doing there is rotating the flywheel (and in turn the crank) via the clutch/transmission/drive shaft/wheels instead of using electronically using the starter to turn the flywheel

there is still a number of possibilities that it could be.
1: battery
2: solenoid
3: starter
4: any one of the connections in between

 

[robertc1024]

Dude - if he did the screwdriver across the terminals then ADSM's the winner (Probably.)
Unless there's something bad with the BIG wires, that has to be it (or a dead battery.)
bert? ya got that battery tested yet?

I had a problem like that on my Maxima, sometimes start, sometimes not. After being at the bar, the motha wouldn't start. I got my wifey-mate to pick me up, pulled the battery and took it to Wal-Mart. They tested the batttery and said it was fine. I bought one anyway. Put it in, still didn't start. Took the battery back. Put the old battery in. Started instantly. Figured out where the f'ing starter was. Pulled it out. Took it to Autozone to be tested. Worked fine. Got a new one anyway. Put the new starter in. Never failed again.

 

[bert296]

its been sitting for 2 days just went out and tested the battery with a volt meter 12.3 so its not the battery!! im going to buy a stater tomorrow and ill let u guys know

 

[CHKNFKR]

its been sitting for 2 days just went out and tested the battery with a volt meter 12.3 so its not the battery!! im going to buy a stater tomorrow and ill let u guys know

voltage isn't what matters. you need to load test the battery to ensure it is providing enough amperage to the starter. if it isn't you'll just get a click.

We're trying to save you from wasting time and money replacing a starter that is probably good.

The fact that you said it will start just fine after its been running, but not after its been shut down for a period of time would indicate a bad battery.

Load test the battery, if it is good, then test the starter.

 

[bilzy7]

My brother got the same issue with his explorer. He said when he turns key it sounds like when it's already on an you turn the key, the usual "ohh f&$@ it's already started" noise. I'm trying to locate the starter. A mechanic told him he has to pull the tranny. I was like hell no.
Does anyone have a photo of starter location? I'm an idiot lol.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

My brother got the same issue with his explorer. He said when he turns key it sounds like when it's already on an you turn the key, the usual "ohh f&$@ it's already started" noise. I'm trying to locate the starter. A mechanic told him he has to pull the tranny. I was like hell no.
Does anyone have a photo of starter location? I'm an idiot lol.

Follow the battery cable, its like a magical trail of glittery bread crumbs to lead you home.