I get a click when i turn the ignition.
Battery is strong
All lights come on and do not dim when i turn the key
Tried to jump start but no change
any ideas? Been searching the web, nothing conclusive yet.
Today was a wet ride to work...SUX!
thanks,
RB
Did you try applying power to the starter directly?
Quote from: Mr. Exact on November 12, 2009, 03:06:08 AM
Did you try applying power to the starter directly?
No, i plan to try that this afternoon.
I tried the tapping on the starter while someone turns the ignition, but no go.
thanks,
RB
Quote from: Mr. Exact on November 12, 2009, 03:06:08 AM
Did you try applying power to the starter directly?
Thats what I would do, See if the starter works first. Then backtrace. [thumbsup]
+1
also check the major ground connections as well as the condition of the battery cables
Is it a manual trans? Is there a clutch switch checking to make sure the pedal is depressed that's failed?
Quote from: Monsterlover on November 12, 2009, 03:52:38 AM
+1
also check the major ground connections as well as the condition of the battery cables
Is it a manual trans? Is there a clutch switch checking to make sure the pedal is depressed that's failed?
+2 check all your connections. Jump start would not help if they are bad but the lights would still work.
Sounds like a bad starter solenoid (why tapping on the starter did no good). Best way to verify is like someone already posted, by-pass and apply power directly to the starter. You can try tapping lightly on the solenoid itself but that is only a 40% or so shot....
whack the starter with a hammer (make sure it's a metric hammer)
Quote from: bobspapa on November 12, 2009, 04:28:39 AM
whack the starter with a hammer (make sure it's a metric hammer)
oh, i will have to find my metric hammer, i think i left it next to the water pump for '71 beetle.
it only clicks once, not multiple clicks like when the battery is dieing.
I will recheck the wires and connections this afternoon. My Acura had a really bad positive line corrode into the jacket so bad that i had to replace the positive line to the starter, i would have to physically move the wire in my hand, and then the car would start, but eventually it didn't and i replaced it. I thought that the same could be happening here as well.
thanks for the help guys, please keep the suggestions coming.
RB
I had a '91-that problem was it's way of telling me to clean my connections. I'd try that first.
Sounds like the starter to me. Charging system and battery are good, the solenoid clicks when the coil is energized. If you have a meter check for volts, but that's most likely the case outside of wiring connections.
For 60 bucks i replaced the starter, which included the solenoid, since this seemed to be the culprit. I didn't put a meter on it, but i did go over the connections. Oh, and i went to work on the truck in the parking lot where it died, and she fired right up so i could make the repair at my house. It has been raining for two days now as well. After talking to a mechanic/friend about the symptoms, he said it was mostly the solenoid and i could repair it for a few bucks since it seemed charred upon inspection. To me it was worth the 60bucks to pull it of and slap a new on on...two nuts, and one bolt. I need my truck on a daily basis.
thanks for the help!!!
RB
Glad it worked out for you...