I have a Saturn SL2 (197) that won't start. It just clicks when I turn the key. Also about 6 weeks ago I had a similar problem. The starter tested fine but the battery needed to be replaced. Additionally my remote works less and less even with a new battery in it. The remote worked fine once the battery was replaced but then has slowly started having problems again. Is this more likely a starter problem a short somewhere in the electrical system or something else?
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
It's possibly the ignition switch or the battery cable going to the starter . Would need to do some testing to say for sure . Can you do electrical testing ? Have someone turn the key to the start position and someone check for B+ voltage at the S terminal on the starter solenoid . If B+ voltage is there , voltage drop test the starter circuit . How to voltage drop test starter motor circuitStarter Voltage Drop
i suspect either the ignition switch is worn out or the starter.
test the starter first then the ignition switch. both are fairly easy to replace and not too costly. if you are a diy person then do a screw driver starter test. This will determine if the starter works and usually how well. I buy the starter rebuild kits online for $35. The ignition switch is also around the same price and easier to change than the starter. The ignition switch is accessed by removing the lower steering column cover then the two screws for the upper cover. Then unplug the ignition switch then remove the holding screw. sometimes the wiring is taped up carefully remove the tape. when installing the new switch make sure the key is out so that the new switch will align correctly
Could be starter, battery, battery cables, security key system module going bad, etc.
Check easiest things first. Battery condition and age, condition of cables, and connections at starter.
You'll need to crawl under the car and check for power on the small terminal of the stater with the key in the crank position.
Knowing if you have power there will help to give you a direction to go in.
If you don't have a test light or a multi meter, you can jump the large wire at the starter to the small wi at the stater with the key in the off position. If the starter works than you'll need to focus on wiring. If the starter doesn't work replace it.
do you hear a hising noise if you dont your fuel pump is shot but if you do check your spark plugs and wires..also have some one give you cables see what happens
That symptom usually means the solenoid on the starter is bad and no longer is completing the circuit to engage the starter. A new starter will likely solve that issue.
A series of rapid clicks would indicate a week battery.
You can try repeatedly turning the key to the start position rapidly, sometimes the starter wil start working.
You can also try tapping the starter while somebody holds the key in the start position, if the starter engages place it.
Voltage drop testing the starter electrical circuit would be a good first step , ruling out the cable's connections an ground ! Starter Voltage Drop If this doesn't find a problem ,then check the control side . Ignition switch , when it won't start check for Battery voltage at the connection at the starter solenoid "S" terminal . How to voltage drop test starter motor circuit
When the car does not crank can you hear a click from the engine compartment? If you can, that is the Starter solenoid ( a relay) trying to connect the starter to the battery.
Here's how the system works. When you turn the ignition key to start your car, the ignition switch sends 12 volts to the starter solenoid (which is mounted on the top of the starter). Because the starter uses so much current from the battery, the solenoid is used to connect the starter directly to the battery. At this point your car should crank over. What happens lots of time with the starter is that certain parts inside the starter gradually wear out and get dirty, and the starter cannot operate in this condition. HOWEVER, Depending on where the starter stops after it has done it's job, determines whether or not it will crank the next time you try it.
I speak from personal experience since I just went thru this exact excerise 2 weeks ago with my F150 pickup. When I turned the ignition switch to start, all I got was a click, click. I took a hammer out of my truck and gave the starter a couple of swats. not real hard, just medium. It worked several times. I finally broke down and bought a starter. (a rebuilt one) BTW, a new starter comes with a new solenoid already attached.. For my 94 F150 it cost me $100.00.
You might check around at some auto salvage yards and see if you could get a used one. it would be cheaper but might get you thru until you can afford a rebuilt one.
Hope this helps, Good luck Loringh PS Please leave a rating for me Thank you
×