I think my starter died

[LaGrasta]

I drove home Friday from work, parked in the garage.
This morning, I went out to go to work and only a large sounding click when I hit the key.
Battery is 100% so I took a mallet and tapped both the starter and solenoid, but no luck. I took a socket/rachet and cranked the engine just in case the starter gear wasn't meshing. It turned no probelm, so that leaves me to believe the starter is dead. So sudden, but I guess that's how they die. I've never replaced it and have no idead how old it is. I hope th at's all the problem is. At least it's a cheap and easy repair.

 

[jamyers]

If you've got a voltmeter, connect it to the starter side of the relay, then hit the switch and see if current is coming out of the relay. If it is, then it's your starter motor. If not, then it's the relay - sometimes they'll click, but not actually close.

 

[pedal2themetal45]

check you battery conections..... Pull them off and clean them..... Clicking sound is usualy not getting enough power from the battery... not a bad starter... if the starter was bad it wouldn't click but once as it engages. But a click ity click ity click is the sylionid not getting enough power to engage.
tim

 

[LaGrasta]

"If the starter was bad it wouldn't click but once as it engages"

That's exactly what I believe is happening. I'll let you know once I get at it tongiht. Thanks for the suggestiones.

 

[The Plankster Prankster]

i had one that broke the wire inside its insulation at the starter - it was fine getting to work, but wouldn't start to leave work. i found the problem when i grabbed the cable and it broke in my hand.
i would check all the cables before dropping $50-something on a starter

 

[Mercury Mike]

Anthony, I always told you to connect your battery cables tighter. That's why it hesitated a second before it started. Seriously, check your battery cables, and start your car, and drive away. =D

 

[Anonymous]

If yours has the solenoid up on the fender apron try jumping a screwdriver across the terminals. If it cranks over its a bad solenoid if it doesnt its a bad starter.

Clean your battery terminals anyways!

Could be wiring but....?

Later,

Doug

 

[LaGrasta]

It was the starter.
I had 11.6v at the battery and 11.5v at the starter telling me the solenoid is fine. $44 and 20 mintues later all is well.

 

[Mercury Mike]

Aw! Darn! Oh well. Congratulations! =D