Car won't start. Is it the starter?

Question

I just got a new battery and alternater 1 month ago. I get power when I put in the key but just get a clicking sound. There was no indication of problems recently. There is a rare occasion about once a month or less when it won't start. Once my security light came on. I just waited a little bit and when I went back to my car it started but I'm not sure if that is going to work this time.

Car is a '97 Oldsmobile LSS

Answer 1

Recheck that the battery connections are clean and tight by disconnecting them and using a wire brush on them. If you have a GM car, you may have a security problem with your ignition key, and only the dealer can solve that for you easily. However, the "clicking" sound is probably your starter solenoid switch trying to connect your battery to the starter motor. The switch contacts could be burned and you may eventually need a new starter. A bad battery cable connection could also cause the clicking too though.

Answer 2

check the Bendix . it will be a round black cylinder the the red wire goes to from the battery . u will find 2 copper post come from the front of this cylinder turn the key to the on position . get out and cross the 2 posts with a heave gaged screw drive . turn head away wile crossing some sparks may come for the posts and don't touch the metal part of screw drive . if the car dose not turn over then this is not your problem. check the wires no the battery . if none of this works then u must have a bad starter

Answer 3

The clicking noise is the solenoid trying to engage the starter. It does sound like a duff starter, but check for really stupid stuff first, like having damaged a connector or cable.

Try running jump leads directly to the motor from the battery, if it works then, it's most likely a bad connection somewhere.

Answer 4

Need to know what your driving to help you
Year Make Model and Engine size.
Thanks
Sound like the starter solenoid is acting up Check that all connection are tight . Inclining the powers and ground to the starter and the ground to the engine block if they are all OK replace the starter

Answer 5

Sounds like a loose battery connection or a dead battery. Test battery voltage. Alternator could be bad,though not likely. My '02 Grand Prix kept eating ignition switches. The start terminal kept burning up! Best of luck! ;-)=

Answer 6

bobweb is likely right. Sounds like you have an intermittent problem with the starter, or a bad wire/connection somewhere that only occasionally rears it's ugly head. These can be really hard to find, but if you do as he says, you'll have a good chance. If you can't find it, try to find a shop that specializes in electrical problems. They may have seen the problem before, and can go right to it. Good luck.

Answer 7

sounds like a weak battery ,clean the battery terminals and posts tighten up the battery terminals.if car starts let it run for a little bit to charge up.than take it to local auto parts to check battery to see if it is ok.

Answer 8

It may be the starter, or it could be the fuel pump. My car stalled on me a while ago and it started back up after a while. If it is the fuel pump then it is because not enough fuel it getting to your engine. So you may want to have your mechanic check it out.

Answer 9

sounds like the brushes on your starter are worn down. This results in you car starting occassionaly when the brushes rotate to an area that is still okay but not starting when the worn down parts are lined up. Get it checked

Answer 10

The clicking is the starter relay, but without additional info like make, model, year, engine, etc it is a shot in the dark.