Guest mtj71Z Posted April 15, 2002 Share Posted April 15, 2002 this morning i tried to start my car and it began to turn over and then stopped - now all i hear is a rapid clicking noise when i try to start the car. is that a problem with my starter? do i need a new one, or is there a way to fix it if thats the problem? thank you for the help. -mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAW Posted April 15, 2002 Share Posted April 15, 2002 Check all your battery and starter connections (including the slip-on connector to the small brass terminal sticking out the front of the solenoid). Often corrosion causes too much resistance and the car will do just what you described, A failing or undercharged battery would do it too. DAW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mtj71Z Posted April 16, 2002 Share Posted April 16, 2002 hm, i checked and cleaned all the connections...still nuthin. my battery is right in the middle of the gauge and my lights and wipers all work and stuff....coudl it still be the battery? argh - whats weirs is it started to go....just STOPPED.... ??????? thanks for any help -mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Shasteen Posted April 16, 2002 Share Posted April 16, 2002 Alternator/voltage regulator, Starter & Battery problems usually occur w/in close proximity of each other: one will usually take out the other (put such a load on the other compotnents that the load mechanically/electronically takes that component out). If you can jumpstart your car-check to see if your amp gauge indicates your alternator is charging. Also, if a jumpstart starts your car-and your amp gauge indicates your alternator is charging then: ****Always check your ground connections firts/formost prior to replacing or diagnosing*** 1) Your alternator is charging but the voltage regulator is defective in that it (the voltage regulator) is allowing the battery to drain its charge after the ignition key is switched off. 2) Your battery is not taking a charge & your battery is defective or The jumpstart is not sucessful, then: 1) The battery is dead so much so that it wont take a charge...simply borrow a friends battery & swap it in your car for a quick test-if the car starts then everything else is probably fine-buy a new battery & replace your old battery (dont buy a new battery unless you need one!) 2) Your battery is defective because the voltage regulator drained your battery so much so that your old battery wont take a charge-then if this is the case you'll need a new battery & a voltage regulator....some voltage regulators are located inside the alternator & some volt.reg's are external of the alternator. 3) Your battery/alternator-volt.reg are fine & your starter is defective. If you think your starter is defective, then: 1) Remove your starter & take it to a local auto parts store for testing-most auto parts stores have a bench tester for alternators & starters & they can ever test your battery for your too. CAUTION: When reinstalling your starter be careful not to over tighten the two bolts-the inline 6's starter mount is soft & will strip easily. If all components are tested okay-then you have a wireing short or a relay swhich has gone bad-this is where the diagnosis gets fun...good luck. Hope this was helpful. Kevin, (Yea,Still an Inliner) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mtj71Z Posted April 16, 2002 Share Posted April 16, 2002 wow thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAW Posted April 17, 2002 Share Posted April 17, 2002 Good advice, and remember that the battery has to have electrolyte, so if it's way low, top it off with distilled water and charge it. Check it with a small hydrometer: if a cell is dead this will show it (replace the battery), or if on a charger, all cells are bubbling except one that's totally calm, you need a battery. DAW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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