I had starting problems a few weeks ago. thought it was the key, so I ve been using my spare. Worked great, no problems until a couple days ago and she is acting up again. When I turn the key on, it will light up and do everything as it should. When I try to turn it over all I get is click. Hit it again, click. Four or five tries before it will start. Does this sound like the starter is going bad? After it idles for a couple minutes it will sometimes start right up, sometimes it wont. If anyone can help me I would appreciate it.:)I might add that my car is not a daily driver, so the new key may not have even made a real difference.


[Modified by JPLT1, 1:40 PM 10/28/2001]

 

When you try to start it, does it actually make a clicking noise. If so, sounds like the starter is going bad. Does the security light come on indicating it could be a vats problem. Just some thoughts.

 

Check connections on battery.

You must remove the connections to check.

 

My 95 did the same thing to me twice in the last few days... If I'm not mistaken, if it's the VATS system, you won't even get a click. I did tighten down on the battery cable and got almost a full turn on the bolts and I havent had the problem yet again... so hopefully that was all it was.

 

Hopefully it is something simple, I had your same problem all summer,everyone said heat soak (not) I replaced the starter,new positive cable,new platinum battery, heat wrap for starter,vats bypassed,all cables checked, you can hear the starter relay click and the starter solonoid click but nothing happens when you shut it down after it runs up to normal operating temp, have to let it cool way down and then it fires instantly. GO FIGURE.
:crazy: :crazy: :crazy:

 

When I try to turn it over it just clicks, I think the security light goes out, not quit sure. I get just one click each time I try to start it. :crazy:

 

Remove the battery connections, and clean both the posts and cables. Use a wire brush and some baking soda. Also check the connections on your battery. Do the smae thing as well. I'm sure you will see a difference.

 

I caleaned all my connections really well, not any better. My security light goes out when I try to start it also. Whats left, a new starter???

 

if you've tried all the cable cleaning etc, I'd say it's the starter. That's the way mine acted when it was going out. Then one day it wouldn't start at all, just click, click. I too mine to a local aternator shop and had them rebuild it for a little over $100.

 

I would first consult the service manual to determine which systems the starter relies on to activate. If you don't have one, check the local libraries. There could be a loose or bad connection on some dependant system. For example; there is probably a switch on the clutch that needs to be on for the starter to turn over, possibly the transmission in neutral as well. I once had a situation where my car wouldn't start if I had it jacked up off it's wheels. Pretty weird, so there are probably other dependant systems that need to be engaged before the starter will turn. If you really want to eliminate the starter as a suspect, bypass all these systems by jumpering the terminals on the starter solenoid. You'll have to reference the service manual to figure out which terminals to connect.
Just keep working the problem, the service manual can be a big help with electrical problems if you take the time to study all the relevant sections.
Don't give up and just start buying expensive parts. Quite often, in my experience, it usually ends up being something simple. :smash:

 

If the "click" is coming from behind the center of the dash, this is the start enable relay and VATS is working although the start enable relay contacts may be defective. If the "click" is the starter solenoid, the you might have a defective start solenoid or starter motor . The start solenoid is a high current switch which connects the battery to the starter motor and it also throws a lever to engage the starter pinion gear onto the flywheel gear. VATS can be tested by measuring the resistance the unplugged two wires from the ign sw contacts that make with the pellet. It should measure the same as the pellet. The wires come out of the steering column (under the carpet on my 87).