Engine doesn't crank but no starter click - solenoid?

[Ben B.]

If it doesn't click when I turn the key it's more likely to be the solenoid or a wire than the starter right?

 

[81jimmyslt]

Check for bad connection to the battery, check the charge on your battery.

I have had similar problems, sometimes its as easy as cleaning your battery connections and posts.

When solenoids go bad a lot of time you get a warning period.

Make sure you have enough voltage to the starter first.

 

[dremu]

If it doesn't click when I turn the key it's more likely to be the solenoid or a wire than the starter right?

More likely, yes. As said, check voltage; bad (loose, corroded) connections could do it. The solenoid is what clicks, so if it's not getting juice or if it's sticky, yep, no clicky.

My experience is that the solenoids fail due to heat; I buy only AC Delco starters and immediately put a heatshield on them, and I've not had to replace any since I've started that regimen.

I used to carry a short length of 2x4 with me to whack the starters when they gummed up -- funny, but a PITA, especially in the summertime when the exhaust is hot and you just want to get home.

-- A

 

[mofugly13]

Also make sure to check your ground, both to the frame and the block. I can't tell you how much time I've wasted troubleshooting starting issues, and it turned out to be a bad ground connection.

 

[4X4HIGH]

In this order, check battery voltage, clean terminals, check for voltage at the (S) terminal when the key is in the crank position. If all test good then you have a bad solenoid. If everything test good up to the point of no juice to the (S) terminal then suspect a bad ignition switch.

 

[4by4bygod]

add this to the mix..

Ignition coils can give the same symptoms when they go bad too. if you find yourself with a charged battery and no clicking...I've had igntion control modules be bad as well, when changing the coil didn't solve the problem..

 

[lochenjons]

I used to carry a short length of 2x4 with me to whack the starters when they gummed up -- funny, but a PITA, especially in the summertime when the exhaust is hot and you just want to get home.

-- A

Same thing happened to me, used a mallet and hit the starter while someone turned the key...worked for me, then it happened again. Swapped in another starter and its fine. Or you can also try arcing the the posts (or whatever its called). Have to do it my friends heep all the time. Take something metal and touch both posts on the starter which should make it crank (have the key to ON and it sohuld start). If that doesnt work I'd check battery and all that

 

[Ben B.]

If I go out right now, turn the key to crank and get someone to hit on my starter it'll start?

 

[Kyle Strong]

I had the same thing happen to me, and it was my neutral safety switch. I had that replaced and all was good!

 

[lochenjons]

If I go out right now, turn the key to crank and get someone to hit on my starter it'll start?

It might. It worked for me a few time till I put in another starter

 

[dremu]

If I go out right now, turn the key to crank and get someone to hit on my starter it'll start?

If the solenoid is bad, it may jog the solenoid loose. Do this to go to the dealer or a good parts place and buy an AC Delco replacement starter. Do NOT keep doing this, as eventually it will strand you. Ask me why I know

-- A

 

[lochenjons]

If the solenoid is bad, it may jog the solenoid loose. Do this to go to the dealer or a good parts place and buy an AC Delco replacement starter. Do NOT keep doing this, as eventually it will strand you. Ask me why I know

-- A

Yes especially because you can think its "fixed" after when it starts fine afterwards for awhile. And it wont break when your home or close, itll break only when your farthest away as possible

 

[4X4HIGH]

Why do you keep guessing at it? I told you how to go about checking for your problem. You want to find the problem then fix it, not keep throwing time and or money at it.

 

[Ben B.]

Why do you keep guessing at it? I told you how to go about checking for your problem. You want to find the problem then fix it, not keep throwing time and or money at it.

I haven't thrown any money at it. lol

She's a 4 speed so all I need to do is catch it in gear if need be. Just trying to get a good idea of the problem cause.

 

[lochenjons]

I haven't thrown any money at it. lol

She's a 4 speed so all I need to do is catch it in gear if need be. Just trying to get a good idea of the problem cause.

Have you tried what we've told you yet? I'm curious if it worked or what the problem was

 

[4X4HIGH]

Glad you haven't thrown any money at it yet. But if you test as i've said you will find out if you have a bad solenoid or ignition switch.