Starter clicks but won't turn engine. This only
Starter clicks but won't turn engine. This only happens when at operating temp after shut-off. Disconnect battery, reconnect and it cranks strong. New battery and good connections at the battery. Also runs and starts good. Please advise.
Cars & Trucks - Eagle - Talon - 1990 Eagle Talon
Answers & Comments
Ok here is the deal. When you turn the key a small amount of current at 12 volts is sent to the starter relay. That relay is very heavy duty because it can handle The high current that the starter may require most gas engines require quite a bit less with diesels requiring the most. This relay can and does wear out after a while. Most mechanics would tell you to replace the starter and it would fix this problem. They would be right because any loose wires at the starter would also be fixed.
When you open the hood and the engine is hot what happens is you start a rapid cool down of the engine. Cold air comes in the bottom and exits where the hood is open at a much higher temp. Try just opening your hood for the same amount of time it takes you to mess with the battery and you will probably find it will still start. Unhooking the battery should have nothing to do with the ability of the car to start unless the problem is a built in alarm system that is malfunctioning. You didnt mention if your car had an alarm system that will disable the ignition. If it did then it would not even click. The click sound comes from the relay on the starter. No crank means the main contacts are not conducting electricity from the battery. This could be a thermal issue related to a very worn starter or a loose battery cable on the starter. Possibly a loose starter that might affect the ground.
You can crawl under and check those connections that they are tight or you can replace the starter. If the starter is original Id probably just replace it. If you find a loose wire and tighten it then it will probably work fine for a while. If you replace the starter it will probably work fine for a while as well.
cheeers.
Possibly the ECM but that module does not have anything to do with the starting circuit as far as cranking goes if it clicks.
If the ECM or an alarm system was interferring it would not even make a clicking sound.
Hi!!
Check starter relay, selenoid and starter itself. If starter is the original, it is 20 yrs. old. Time for new one, also replace relay.
Keep me posted, Good Luck.
When you disconnect your battery, all your electronic equipment that has memory such as, radio, ECM, Transmission CM, etc. gets resetted.
Just to clarify, what I believe your problem is, has to do with the starter selenoid and motor being worn and dirty. It is cheaper to get a new starter and selenoid than messing with them. The relay part, is also about been worn and getting sticky.