My 2001 convertible has what I think is a bad starter/solenoid. Every time I try to turn in on, everything works like it should (fuel pump on, gagues, lights are fine), but when turn the key, all I hear is a very loud click from the engine compartment. One click, that's it, and it happens every single time. Not the clutch switch because when I pump the clutch it clicks each time. Every once and a while if I keep trying, it will start. And then it typically won't have the problem for the rest of the day.

Other things to note:
-When it is having this problem, it will not jump start either. (ruled out the battery)
-I've also cleaned what was a very corroded positive battery terminal. No help.
-When it does start on the random times mentioned above, it fires right up with no hesitation.

I've searched the forums up and down for a similar situation, but haven't found a solid diagnoisis for a loud, single click coming from the engine. I've seen the advise to check the ignition switch, but is this the problem for me since I hear this loud click every time? Also, it seems that one cannot replace the solenoid without replacing the entire starter, is this true? I am about to embark on a project to pull/replace the starter but wanted to check here before I do so.

Thanks for any/all help.

 

Ok, so you are doing a search for a diagnosis of a loud single click, huh.. You're killin me bro...that's a little funny.

Seriously, don't just start changing parts before doing the appropriate voltage checks. Do you have a DMM and a service manual?

 

Ive had my starter apart and that sucker is pretty bullet proof. I had a similar issue. Like LUCKY stated, I just didn't start swapping parts. I took voltage readings, cleaned connections, check wires. It turned out to be the solenoid. I could tap on the solenoid when it wouldn't start and it would start every time. Replaced the solenoid and the problem is solved. It cost me $45.

I already had the car apart for my heads cam fast90 up-grade so, removing the starter was easy.

 

"Replaced the solenoid and the problem is solved. It cost me $45."
Bill,
Please tell me and others where to get the solenoid for $45. If it turns out to be the trouble of the OP it will help him. I have not found one for myself. I have a good starter with a broken solenoid that I would like to replace. Thanks for the info. Brad

 

Look up "Auto Generator & Starter Service."

 

i have the same problem only when the car is hot

about the 6th to 9th key turn, clutch pump and a pray, it starts.
i need to fix this

 

Same year, same issue. I have a warrenty so I went to the shop and told them my solenoid is going bad. They returned the car and said my batt connections were loose. No charge but I bet i'll be back.

 

Look in your local YELLOW PAGES under "Automotive Electrical" and find a Starter/Alternator repair business. call them and see if they can get you a solenoid. There are around $40-$50.

BC

 

That same symptom can be caused by a loose connection at the solenoid. Check them all, especially the battery cable connection. There have been others that found a loose battery cable.

HTH

 

my symptoms on my vette are identical as what you wrote. My problem was the starter solenoid. For a little I thought maybe she had a mind of her own but it turned out to be a $30 solenoid. Fix that and your problems WILL be solved!

 

The loose wire connection at the solenoid was what was wrong with mine. I broke the bolt out of the plastic end of the solenoid while I was tightening it. That is why I have a good starter and need a new solenoid. I will check at an Alternator and Starter shop and pick one up. Thanks for the info. I hope that it is this simple for the OP.

 

Update:

Thanks for all of the advice. I got the car up on jackstands (that was fun) and took a look at the starter. Took off the positive batt cable and the other two on that post, cleaned with a wire brush, and reconnected (and tightened). Started up no problem. Actually, started fine for the next two weeks. I was cautiously optimistic that it may have been the connections. I even drove over 300 miles away and back, and the car started no problem on what must have been 30 occasions in the last few weeks.

Fast forward to this weekend, same old problem. Just the click. After messing around with it and trying a good 10-15 times or more, started. This happened twice.

Guessing it is the solenoid like many have stated. Next step is to pull the starter (since they are basically inseparable on the car - right??) and take it to an auto electric shop to see if they can swap the solenoid.

Thanks again, I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

Brother,
If you can take the starter off then you will have no trouble changing the solenoid yourself. Save yourself some money and do it yourself.
Good luck with the project.
Boulty