Question: When I try to start my engine, I hear a clicking
sound but nothing happens. Do I need a new starter?
Answer: Maybe, but the only way to know for sure is to
check out the battery, solenoid and starter. If you hear a clicking
noise, it means voltage is getting through to the solenoid. But
there may not be enough voltage to spin the starter. So start
with the battery and cables.
Is the battery at full charge? Are the battery cables clean
and tight? Be sure to check both ends. Are the other electrical
connections at the solenoid and starter clean and tight? It doesn't
take much corrosion to choke off the flow of amps to the starter.
Next, check the wiring connections on the solenoid and starter.
Are they clean and tight? Also check the solenoid ground connection
or its mounting. Rust or corrosion here can interfere with the
flow of amps, too.
Try bypassing the solenoid to see if the starter spins. If
it spins, the problem is excessive resistance in the solenoid.
Replace the solenoid. If the starter doesn't spin, or turns
very slowly, however, the starter is dragging and needs to be
replaced.
