clicking noise when ignition key is turned
Posted By : John Davies, 23-May-2004, 09:56pm
Mike,
Welcome to the asylum!
Possibilities:
Battery flat. If you do not have enough volts in your battery, then the solenoid may click, but the starter won't turn.
Solenoid switch to starter faulty. Even if the volts are there, if the solenoid (an electrically controlled switch in the mains lead between battery and starter) is faulty, it may not make good contact and conduct said volts. You can't mend it, but before you buy a new one, try cleaning the terminals where the mains lead, from battery and to starter, join it. Small nuts hold the wires on.
Starter faulty. Test by using a jump lead between battery negative and the starter terminal. Ignition off and car out of gear, FIRST! This will turn a good starter. NB, 12volts will do you no harm, but watch out for the big fat spark when you touch jump lead to terminal.
Oh, one more - starter pinion jammed in gear with flywheel. Turn the starter with a small spanner (7/16ths?) on the end of the starter shaft, that protrudes from the outer end of the starter. A loud click means that the pinion has released. But one of the above is more likely.
Hope that helps!
John
Welcome to the asylum!
Possibilities:
Battery flat. If you do not have enough volts in your battery, then the solenoid may click, but the starter won't turn.
Solenoid switch to starter faulty. Even if the volts are there, if the solenoid (an electrically controlled switch in the mains lead between battery and starter) is faulty, it may not make good contact and conduct said volts. You can't mend it, but before you buy a new one, try cleaning the terminals where the mains lead, from battery and to starter, join it. Small nuts hold the wires on.
Starter faulty. Test by using a jump lead between battery negative and the starter terminal. Ignition off and car out of gear, FIRST! This will turn a good starter. NB, 12volts will do you no harm, but watch out for the big fat spark when you touch jump lead to terminal.
Oh, one more - starter pinion jammed in gear with flywheel. Turn the starter with a small spanner (7/16ths?) on the end of the starter shaft, that protrudes from the outer end of the starter. A loud click means that the pinion has released. But one of the above is more likely.
Hope that helps!
John
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clicking noise when ignition key is turned
Posted By : Steve Cureton, 23-May-2004, 11:21pm
Another possibility is a bad earth from the battery to the body or from the engine block. Undo the connections and clean them up with abrasive paper and it may fix the problem. In fact clean all connections from/to the battery and starter motor to ensure good connectivity (don't foget to disconnect the battery first)-
clicking noise when ignition key is turned
Posted By : David Styles, 24-May-2004, 11:46am
The other one for a jammed starter motor is to "tap" it with the base of a hammer handle, or suitable piece of wood.
(PS. Tap is a generic term, and this instance means hit it a bit... but don't go silly)-
clicking noise when ignition key is turned
Posted By : Adrian Lee, 24-May-2004, 08:06pm
20lb sledge hammer and a cold chisel...........does that mean "tap"
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