When I turn the key the starter clicks

A single, rather loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank"? A light, barely-audible single click from the starter relay? A rapid clicking/buzzing from the starter solenoid? What happens to the brightness of the headlights when you try to crank the engine? Have you measured any voltages? If so, where, and what did you find? If you are a mechanic, you should be able to provide a lot more information than the typical car owner.

Did you observe the brightness of the head lights?

If the starter was removed for testing, that is inconclusive because it needs to be loaded down for the test to be accurate. The loud clunk is likely the starter solenoid engaging. When it does, it turns on the heavy battery current to run the starter motor. That is not happening. The best suspect is a bad cable or connection.

Ground the clip lead of a test light on a paint-free point on the engine or transmission. Probe the larger terminal on the starter solenoid. For the most accuracy, place the probe on the stud or nut, not the terminal bolted to that stud. You should see twelve volts there all the time. The test light should be bright. Now watch what happens to the light when a helper tries to crank the engine. The light can be expected to dim a little, but if it goes out completely, there is a bad connection that we have to locate.

Different guy,

Was there any sort of issue that recently happened prior to the "no crank" situation (like overheating)?

You are 100% sure the clunk is at the starter?

What about the headlight on, your pal watches them while you attempt a start, what do they do?

With the starter removed, can you see the condition of the flywheel teeth?

Can you rotate the engine 2-1/2 full revolutions with a wrench or ratchet in it is normal rotational direction? (See picture of my Jeep engine below)

Is this the same starter you had prior to this problem. If not, sometimes manufacturing tolerances vary.

I looked at a picture of your starter, can it be shimmed away from the flywheel with shims?

The Medic

Which classes have you taken, and where did you go to school? Finding related live work for my students was a problem at first, so I built a dozen "bugged" cars, including many with starter and charging circuit problems. Once you understand basic electrical theory, these circuits become easy to diagnose. I had an entire website devoted to Auto Electrical, but I took it down due to the increasing cost every year. I plan on starting it up again in a few months with a different company.

Knowing your experience and skill level helps us tailor our replies. For now I will keep it as simple as possible, but be sure to be very clear and specific when you post test results. I will be back tomorrow to see how you are doing.

Dandy. My other specialty areas are suspension and alignment and brakes.

Wonderful news. Happy to hear it's solved.

Hi,

More than likely the solenoid has failed or the voltage to the starter is too low. The clicking/buzzing is the solenoid opening and closing rapidly so more than likely if has failed.

If you have removed the wires then just make sure they are tight. A loose connection could also cause this issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair