I am getting is a single click when turning the ignition?

MARCUSZAPATA

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
2WD
AUTOMATIC
250,000 MILES

I have an old car and wondering if this problem is worth fixing or getting a new one. My car started just fine last night. As of this morning all I am getting is a single click when turning the ignition. From further looking into the issue I am confused if the problem is even my starter or if it’s the starter solenoid? I’m not sure if they are together or separate. I can locate the starter but not the solenoid to see what exactly I need to replace. My car still is getting juice when turning the ignition(radio, lights, wipers all work) but just a single click once I try to start the vehicle. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

3 Replies

I-SMOGEM

MECHANIC
117 POSTS

Hi MARC.

Well, the first place I would start before condemning the starter is the positive connection on the starter itself, the ground side connection of the battery to the frame, and the connections on the battery itself. Check them all! They should be free of corrosion and tight.

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

We will start simple, and go from there.
Glenn

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Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 5:04 PM

MARCUSZAPATA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Battery connections seem solid, I still get plenty of juice in the car and can turn on headlights, etc. Just a single click when trying to start but the power still stays on when it fails to start. What did you mean by the connections besides the 2 connecting to the terminals?

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Friday, June 25th, 2021 AT 5:04 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
43,070 POSTS

If the connections are good the starter sounds like it is bad. To be sure these guides and diagrams below can help us fix it. This sounds like the starter is having problems or the battery needs to be load tested these guides can help us fix it.

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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