engine and drivetrain Just Goes "click".

[PaulTWinterton]

I recently had my starter motor rebuilt.  Man! What a difference.  Engine turns over rapidly and car starts well.

 

Over the last week I turn the key and got a "click" every so often.  When it does turn over the starter works normally.

 

Today it clicks almost everytime I turn the key.  Luckily I got it home.

 

I checked most cables and couldn't find anything loose.

 

Solenoid or bad ground somewhere?

 

Opinions please.

[p1k]

Check the ground to the starter itself. I've had that get loose on me on my m3, and had similar symptoms. I just removed it, and remounted it and that resolved my issue.

[PaulTWinterton]

p1k:  I checked all my grounds.  The only culprit might be the battery post connection was semi-loose.  With some effort I could remove the clamp.  I've since tightened and driven the car.  Has started every time. Hmmm.

 

I stopped in at the shop that rebuilt my starter and found out that the solenoid is brand new, BUT may still be the problem.  They are prepared to replace at no cost.  Nice guy.

 

The only other unknowns are the connections before the solenoid.  Key switch, wiring, and activation wire attached to the solenoid.

 

I haven't been under the dash yet, but if it clicks ONE MORE TIME, I'm looking at the key switch, and taking the starter back to the shop.

 

Thanks for replying.  Nice to know that it could still be a bad connection somewhere.

 

Cheers.

[Mike Self]

Since your starter draws several hundred amps (vs 10 or so on the second biggest power draw, your heater blower motor) it doesn't take much in the way of an even slightly loose connection--especially at the battery--to keep all that current from flowing.  Hope that was the easy-fix problem.

 

mike

[showoff07]

I've recently had the same problem with my 02', I had to have someone tap the solenoid while I turn the key and then it would start to kick over. Now for some reason today I'm not even getting power when I turn they key, not sure why.

[PaulTWinterton]

I've been driving for a few days now and not symptoms.

Battery negative terminal was the culprit. 99% sure.

Mike: You're absolutely right. It's worth cleaning both the posts and the clamps to create a perfect connection. Amazing that metal to metal with a bit of oxidation inbetween can cause a fault.

Clean your terminals guys!

Showoff07: To be certain check the key switch behind the ignition. 2 screws can get loose or the switch could be toast. The female inserts will look burnt if it's suspect. Once I had the screws come loose and nothing when I turned the key. Otherwise check your activation wire connected to the lower connector on the solenoid. Make sure it's clean and tight. It might be time for a rebuild or replacement starter. Good luck.

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