My son's car won't start - HELP!?

Question

We checked the battery, the starter, and the solenoid. All are fine. The ignition switch is working properly. We changed out the battery cables, and checked the wiring between the ignition switch, the starter, and the battery. It makes a single "click" when we try to start it, but won't even attempt to turn over. What should we do next?

Answer 1

The type of car would be very helpful in discovering the exact source of the problem.
With no further information, I must say that the problem is within the solenoid. It sounds much like a common solenoid problem in cars where the solenoid is attached to the starter. The mechanical component is probably working but the electrical contact to operate the motor is not.
Cleaning the contacts on the inside is a quick repair. If it is an older GM car, the most common problem is that the copper disc on the Outer (Plastic) end of the solenoid has become pitted. Without removing the starter, the screws and nuts holding the wires and this plastic cap can be removed. There is a copper disc attached to a steel rod with a small spring on it inside. The disc can be cleaned with an emery board and replaced. The degree of pitting will be evident.
If it is a ford type starter, the contacts are within the solenoid and are not able to be cleaned.

Answer 2

my 20 years wrenching tells me that you probability have a gear reduction starter you didn't tell us what kind of car so i need to assume here if the starter contacts go bad it will do this it can be frustrating as it may work sometimes and not other times i assume you have some knowledge on your car use a test light and verify power to starter have some one crank it does the power disappear if no check the small wire does it get power if yes is it the starter that clicks if yes replace it or the contacts inside the contacts cost less than $8 good luck remember to vote me best answer

Answer 3

check for a loose ground betweet the motor and battery, and or frame. there should be a ground cable running from the engine block to either the frame or battery.

Answer 4

that just happened to me but mine was the starter and what he did was had someone bang on the starter while another one tryed starting it if it starts its the starter .... check the altinator

Answer 5

Have you checked the fuse box? Maybe one of those fuses is shocked.

Answer 6

is it an automatic? try shifting to neutral..could be neutral safety switch