Strange No Start?

[Begle1]

I turn the key, and I hear a single click in the engine compartment, but it doesn't crank.

I jumper the plug off the battery, and it cranks and starts fine.


What am I missing? How do I hear a click in the engine compartment when I turn the key, but no start?

[mprmn08]

possibly nuetral safety switch bad?

[Begle1]

Would that still fire a solenoid?

I replaced that a year ago...

[Richie O]

I had one of mine do that a year ago. Tried it later and it started. Has started ever since It clicked something under the hood but no start. I did not try anything under the hood to get it running, just took another truck. Guess it fixed it self

[Begle1]

It's intermittent. Doesn't seem to do it unless I leave it for more than a day.

[mprmn08]

next time it does it try and jump the starter and if it fires fine it should just be the neutral switch.

[lazyjoe]

Mine did that a couple of months ago. I tapped on the starter and it started. It would only do it when it was hot, so I didn't worry about it to much. until I forgot, and shut it off at the bruams drive-up window. I changed it the next day.

[seeker1056]

your solenoid is on the way out, if it isnt a deadspot on the armature - either way it is new starter time

[Begle1]

So the starter solenoid is what I hear clicking.

The starter solenoid is making a click, but is not functioning to engage the starter.

The starter solenoid is malfunctioning either because it is worn out, or because it is seeing insufficient current or voltage from the ignition switch.

Jumping the starter solenoid will work temporarily, but if the solenoid is worn out, that process too will cease to function eventually.

Correct?

[Falcon]

Battery may be DEADnot holding enough to fire it off just enough to click the solenoid

[SChandler]

Mine would click but not start when the battery died in my 90. I would take it someplace reputable and have them check the battery. Also check the cables to the starter for corrosion. I had one that the insulation split open on the bottom and when I found it, it wasn't pretty.

[Begle1]

If it was the battery or contacts, why would it not skip a beat when I jump the plug at the battery?

[BEARKILLER]

I don't think it's the battery, and it ain't the starter; because, jumping across the starter-wire plug is obviously starting the engine.


The starter relay on the left fender could be bad; or, as already suggested, the neutral switch, OR IT'S PLUG at the transmission could be bad.

Find the wires that plug into the neutral-switch, un-plug them, clean all the contacts, dielectric grease, and plug back in, then see what happens.


You can test the starter relay with a test-light at that plug where you are jumping it.

[Ace]

You can get the soleniod repair kit off eBag for around $25.

[PToombs]

Alternate method. Use a voltmeter, start at the starter activator wire and check voltage. If it's low, check back up the wire until you find the bad connection. If you have 12 volts, problem is most likely inside the starter.