Car won't start, nothing but a click

Tiny
SPORTSACTIONUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE
  • 130,000 MILES
I've had this problem on and off for the last month, but now it just won't start up at all, I believe it is the starter relay clicking when I turn the key and that's it. I thought it was a battery problem at first, because I was having problems with my terminals, they were stripped, loose, wore out, and all I'd have to do is wiggle the positive terminal around, turn the key and it would fire up. Now since I've replaced the positive terminal, all I get is the click sound, I've checked the wires to make sure they are secure and all, so that should be good. I've checked my battery and that is at a solid 12.5 - 12.6. I've checked the voltage running to the connection of the starter relay even and I've got good voltage coming through there as well.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Monday, July 8th, 2013 AT 11:20 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,689 POSTS
Real common problem with the little silver Nippendenso starters. They develop worn contacts inside the solenoid. This always starts out as an intermittent no-crank, but the starter will work if you cycle the ignition switch a few times. It will get progressively worse over a few months.

Many farm and home stores and hardware stores have the kits to repair the starters. I'm heading to the nation's second largest old car show swap meet where I'll have the contacts for sale. You can also just replace the entire starter. That's what most people do.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 12:23 AM
Tiny
SPORTSACTIONUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Tried cycling the ignition quite a few times in a row with no luck. Is it weird for a starter to just go tits up in such a short amount of time? Cause even a week ago it was turning over great, then the battery issues started, which in turn left my car not able to start. Could it be more of a wiring issue? Also, I've been trying to figure out where the hell the starter is in a sundance of this era and have had no luck even looking it up online. Looked everywhere and it's pretty difficult to find a manual in which it details where it can be found at. I've tried going through and looking to where the positive cable lead and still no luck, any hints to that? I haven't had any problems push starting it or anything, so I know it's not any engine or fuel problems.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 12:55 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,689 POSTS
I don't know how I overlooked this but I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Have you solved the problem or are you still push-starting the engine?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 19th, 2014 AT 2:52 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links