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Help! Turn key - click!

Old Mar 11, 2005 | 12:04 PM
  #1  
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Default Help! Turn key - click!

I have a pretty heavily moded engine. This morning I went to start the engine and all I got is a loud click.

My first thought was the battery, but this seems OK. What could it be? How can I figure it out?

I'd appreciate any pointers any of you can give me.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 01:32 PM
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Well check your voltage when you turn the key. The battery is dead I am sure. Go get it check on the charge at a local AUTO PARTS. How old is the battery have you replaced it before.

Also since you have a heavy modded car if the battery is dead get a red or yellow optima. If you are running a aftermarket stereo get the yellow, you will need the extra juice.

Cheers!!
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 01:43 PM
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If you hear the click, it's probably one of two things: not enough voltage to your starter (battery is dying or your wiring to the starter is messed up), or your motor is locked.

Most likely the former unless you've been feeding your motor through a garden hose
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 02:22 PM
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I have a Yellow Optima battery currently, although it did go dead when the car was OOS for a while. It says it'sa at 14.2V though!

Somebody mentioned the started might be locked. I'm really hoping it's not the engine!
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 07:21 PM
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if it is a click it could be the starter contacts (the copper peices inside the starter) , i had the same problem with my c4. they het worn down after starting it so many times.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by ElanMike
I have a Yellow Optima battery currently, although it did go dead when the car was OOS for a while. It says it'sa at 14.2V though!

Somebody mentioned the started might be locked. I'm really hoping it's not the engine!
Just to clarify, turn the key to start and check the voltage. If it stays at 14 then something is open to/at the starter. If it drops to 0 or very low, it could be a bad battery or a shorted starter winding. Also check the voltage at the starter. If it stays at 14.2 then you could have an open (corroded treminal etc) from the battery to the starter.

If the Starter or engine are seized, and the Bendix is engaging (the click?), you could draw tons of current and the wires would get red hot.

Just a few suggestions and/or clarifications. Good Luck

Ed

Last edited by mowton; Mar 11, 2005 at 07:48 PM.
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Old Mar 11, 2005 | 08:21 PM
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I had a similar situation that was due to the post separating from the interal plates in the battery. Gauge showed OK but no good under load (when the key was turned).
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