Car Won't Start

[Brisfx]

The other day went to start the car, turned the ignition and just got a clicking. Thought it may be the battery so cleaned the terminals and connections and seemed to fix the issue. But it started again today. Turn the ignition and it clicked a few times, then finally started. Got home turned the car off to open the garage door and now it just clicks when I go to start it. Lights, radio and fans are still working. Any ideas? I am thinking connection to the Starter maybe? It is the upgraded starter from DMC

[painterdave72]

that go to the alternator.. i had one of the spade connectors on mine come loose once and do the same thing...

[Silverbullet]

Ok.... So "How old is the battery".... Sounds like it is just a old, weak battery... You can check your charging system... do you get over 13 volts when it is running?

Craig

[Brisfx]

Ok checked the battery and its fine, so cleaned all the battery connections, still clicking??

[sdg3205]

A battery can still read "11" or "12v" but not have the cranking amperage any more.

[Bitsyncmaster]

What is your VIN? Maybe you do not have the recall done on the starter relay.

[painterdave72]

the wires that go to the starter solenoid...

[DMC-81]

A battery can still read "11" or "12v" but not have the cranking amperage any more.

+1
One time, my grocery getter wouldn't start. The car would start after boosting or charging, but not on the second or third start. I had 2 shops load test the 5 year old battery and it passed. I bought a new battery anyway before spending on a new alternator, etc., and that solved the problem. I'm not suggesting that is your particular problem, but that battery tests can be deceiving.

[Rich]

Please describe the "clicking" for us.

1. Sound is faint and from the relay compartment (relay trying to make contact but failing)
2. Sound is louder and from the engine bay - sounding like a hammer tapping (starter solenoid failing to kick in all the way - moves but fails to make electrical contacts)

The fact that sometimes the system fully engages and the starter spins up fine tells us the battery isn't bad. Is this the case?

Even with that be sure batt. is charged when you are doing your troubleshooting.

About #2 here, in the OE starters the solenoid contacts eventually burn enough to create increasingly-dicey starts, finally resulting in non-start almost all the time. The simple fix for that is a new solenoid/contacts after you pull the starter. Or a new/rebuilt starter. Not sure about the upgraded DMC starter.

[David T]

Ok checked the battery and its fine, so cleaned all the battery connections, still clicking??

How did you check the battery? To properly check the battery you need to charge it fully and then load test it with a battery load tester. Many places will do it for free. If the battery is over 5 years old don't even bother testing it, just replace it.