99 Rodeo LS, 4wd, 130k miles.
Couple days ago ignition key wouldn't release. Used pliers to twist to the left and key released after a slight pop. Car started several times but later that day wouldn't, yet rest of electrical components work great, battery tested good.

I do hear a click every time I try to start, coming from the ignition area in the engine compartment near firewall and another click on the starter relay unit. There is no clicking at all on the starter or solenoid. Unlike other threads I read, mine will not start if I keep trying.

I replaced the starter and still same problem. I cleaned both battery posts and attached a battery tester to the two cables that connect to the starter and they do light up. I swapped the headlight relay with starter relay since they’re the same and no luck. In back of my mind, thinking maybe I broke something when using pliers to get the key out but it did work several times afterwards. Maybe I got a bad starter, waiting for suggestions before I replace the starter again. I do not have a volt-meter, should this be necessary?

By the way, to remove the starter, I avoided dropping the exhaust. Removed driver-side tire, unbolted ONLY the driver-side motor mounts and jacked that side up and starter easily came out from the wheel-well rather than being underneath the truck. I did take pictures, just waiting to finish the job before I post them.

Any help appreciated.

Thx.

If you have voltage at both wires on the starter (when the key is turned to 'start'), the problem can only be the starter. Unless your battery is very weak. A cheapo volt meter might help you out here. Your battery, when fully charged, should read 12.6 volts. You should also get battery voltage at the large post on the starter at all times and battery voltage on the small wire at the starter only when the key is in the 'start' position. If all that checks out, you got a bum starter.

By the way, to remove the starter, I avoided dropping the exhaust. Removed driver-side tire, unbolted ONLY the driver-side motor mounts and jacked that side up and starter easily came out from the wheel-well rather than being underneath the truck.

Has anybody else seen this suggested yet? Sounds super easy.