Deusmortis

While I have seen similar issues on this forum, none seem to exactly match mine.

Occasionally, when turning the key, I will hear a single click, and get no engine response. The click does not sound like engine noise, but rather like a circuit closing. If I keep the key turned, let off the clutch, and depress the clutch once more, I will again get a single click. Pumping the clutch will usually give one or two more single clicks... and then a clean start.

Other times, I turn the key and it starts flawlessly.

I have had this happen shortly after shut down, at a gas station. I have had this happen when my car sat outside for a few hours on a hot day. I've had it happen when it has sat for an entire work day in a shaded parking structure. I've had it happen in the morning after a night in the garage. I've also had flawless starts after all of the prior events. I cannot establish a single point of uniformity that links each no-start event.

Battery power seems fine. Alternator seems fine, power levels stay uniform even through long night drives with lights and music on. All systems are functioning normally. When I turn the key and nothing happens, all systems properly engage when the key returns to the ACC position.

In an effort to remedy the situation, I have taken the following steps:

Had a battery test done at a local auto parts store. Battery checked out.

Had a recharge system check performed at the same place. Alt checked out.

Started the vehicle with the battery on the tester. Tech said that the starter was only pulling 54 amps, when it should be pulling 70-80. No idea if this is accurate.

On tech advice, I removed my starter and took it in for testing. Starter checked out. It was a newer unit, dealer installed last November, and I didn't suspect that it would have issues.

Checked white clutch depression switch under the clutch. Switch was fully extended. Depressed and returned without issue.

Checked contacts. Battery contacts good. Contacts to both fuse boxes good, no blown fuses or missing screws. Contacts to starter were good. Every ground that I could find was good.

I've run out of things to check, and am really just procrastinating before heading back out to reinstall the starter. If anyone has a further suggestion of something I should check, please let me know.

Digger1911

What you are describing is a starter with a dead spot on the armature.
Replace your starter.

cliffkemp

I would check the ignition relay and anything related to starting. My relay moved up and was not making good contact. Pushed it back down and did good as far as turning over to start.

I would check the positive battery connection as well. This can cause the issue you stated as well. Make sure you have a good, clean connection before replacing anything.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

starter solenoid?

Relay?...

Intermittent electrical problems suck Hope it fails completely and it is a lot easier to figure out

The click is likely the relay....so if you have power to the starter at crank then you don't have a problem with the immobilizer, ign switch and that side of the circuit. It would likely be the solenoid or starter

If you don't it could be a ton of things from the ECU to the immobilizer to the relay/power side

Deusmortis

Any way to diagnose that? Starter passed all tests at the auto store. If a new starter is necessary, I need to prove that the dealer gave me a bad one when they did the replacement a few months back. Checked both battery posts earlier today. Both were clean. Used a wire brush to remove a few minor blemishes on the contacts. I believe I have power to the starter. When I put the starter back on today, I wasn't hearing any clicks. Went back under the car to check my work, and tightened down the contacts. Started flawlessly on the next key turn. Leads me to believe that the click only happens when power reaches the starter. I would assume that indicates either an issue with the starter, or a lack of sufficient power generation to turn the motor. That's nothing more than uneducated speculation. My mechanical knowledge doesn't pass much beyond form and function, and cars have always diminished my reasoning ability. Regardless, it started fine when I had everything buttoned back up. Maybe one of the dozen minor adjustments I made to wires, bolts and connections made the difference. I'll report back if I run into the issue tomorrow.

SPHINX144

I would start by checking the battery, I used to have the same problem where I would only hear a click but not cranking of the engine. it would happen sporadically until eventually one day the car refused to start. Jump starting it did not worked, I had to push it start it to get going it again. I thought the starter was the issue, but I replaced the battery and the car started immediately.

Digger1911

Easy test, attach a test light to terminal on the starter, if the test light
turns on when you go to start ( crank) the engine, and nothing happens, the starter is no good.

If the starter solenoid is being energized, and your engine still does not crank,
carefully tap on the starter housing to see if you can get the starter to kick in.
If possible, use a piece of wood to tap on starter, not a steel hammer

1sick6

when it happens you can have some one tap the starter with a crowbar or stick and see if it helps i had the same problem with mine and it was the starter and it only lasted about a month before the tapping the starter trick didnt work anymore