Single click when attempting to start vehicle

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Since you get a click and then eventually it does start, it sounds like either a dirty or loose battery connection or the starter is going bad.

Based on your description, it sounds like a dirty or loose connection. Unlike water, metal expands when it gets hot. Thus, a connection can be tighter. Take a look through this link and follow the directions for checking, cleaning, and tightening the connections.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

If you determine that the starter is bad, here are the directions for replacing it. The attached pictures correlate with these directions,.
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REMOVAL
1. Open Hood.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Raise vehicle and support.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the O(2) sensor.

Fig.5 O(2) Sensor

5. Remove the O(2) sensor from the exhaust manifold (Fig. 5).
6. Remove the front mount through bolt.
7. Remove the front mount bracket from engine block.

Fig.6 Starter Motor

8. Remove the battery cable from starter (Fig. 6).

Fig.7 Starter Motor Removal

9. Remove the lower starter bolt and remove starter (Fig. 7).

INSTALLATION
1. Install starter to transmission.
2. Start the upper starter bolt.
3. Start the lower bolt and snug it so that the starter will not move.
4. Remove the upper bolt.
5. Connect the battery cable and torque nut to 8.5 Nm (75 in. lbs.).
6. Install the front mount bracket and check heat shield location.
7. Install bolt the upper bolt and torque bolt to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the lower and torque bolt to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the front mount through bolt and torque bolt to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the O(2) sensor and torque to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
11. Lower vehicle.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.

If this doesn't help or you have other questions, let me know.

Take care,
Joe

No problem. I am happy to help. As far as the solenoid, he is most likely correct. If it truly is the solenoid, it will progressively get worse until it will not engage anymore.

As far as replacement, the solenoid can be replaced, but honestly, no one does it anymore. The entire starter is replaced which includes the solenoid. I attached a picture of a starter for you to see. The larger portion is the starter motor. The smaller cylindrical component attached to the top of the motor is the solenoid.

I recommend just replacing the entire component.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Take care,
Joe