When I turn the ignition, something clicks a bunch of times, I'm assuming that's the starter. It's not the battery because there's enough auxilary(sp) to run the stereo, interior lights, and gauge cluster. Could it be the starter, cylinoid, or maybe I seized the block? Any ideas to what might be wrong would be helpful.
Just put a new alternator and battery in about two years ago, and it has 163k miles on it, its a 99 gmc jimmy sls.
rocketcarhead
Favorite Answer
It could be the starter... If it's easy enough to take out, take it to an auto-parts place and get it tested. Most of the big chains will do it for free. But my take is the battery because the clicking sound is most likely the solenoid. Even if you think it has enough juice for the lites and stereo etc, take the terminals off and clean them with baking soda and distilled water. Get an old toothbrush and clean the posts as good as you can and the terminals as well. If you have a battery terminal brush, great. Thats what its made for. Once you slap everything back together, try starting the engine. You might need a jumpstart. But otherwise, you might want to consider a new batt. Good luck, chief.
kakl1104
It is possible for the battery to be to weak for the starter, but its not a seized motor! It could be the starter or solenoid, but from past experience the clicking is the starter trying to engage but not enough power.
Set one remove battery, take it to a local parts store and have it tested. If good remove your starter and have it tested. If the battery is good it is your starter. But if you replace your starter, you might as well replace the solenoid too. Mine always go out after I replace the damn starter. I just recommend doing this to prevent it going out after wards. Good Luck
I usually have to replace my batteries every 2 or 2 1/2 yrs. With miles like that batteries dont last. The alternator is most like still good, but it could be the cause for the dead battery. Past experience, I have a powerstroke with 313K.
I recommend if you can afford it and IF IT'S your battery, but a OPTIMA battery.
fire4511
The clicking you hear is the starter solenoid. Most likely the battery is low, and you do not have enough power to turn the starter. Either try to charge the battery, or jump start the vehicle.
Have the battery tested, most likely it is weak and will need to be replaced. If not, have your charging system tested to see why it is not working properly!
Anonymous
The clicking is the starter sylenoid. Your battery may have enough juice to run accessories like the radio, but not enough current to crank the starter. I suggest putting it on a charger to slow charge overnight. If it keeps doing this, it needs replacing.
Anonymous
Try this. Unhook the battery cables and clean the battery posts and the terminal ends where they make contact with the posts until they are nice and shiny and then reinstall battery cables making sure they are tight. That should do the trick and hope this helps.