song4deaf

my friends tercel starts fine about 25% of the time the rest of the time it just clicks when you turn the key... i swapped out the battery and it still does the same thing.. any suggestions on what could be wrong? the starter sounds good when its working. i was thinking the strter solanoid or maybe the ignition control? any help would be greatly appreciated

Hungrycat7

Did you test the voltage coming from the new battery? Could be a bad alternator which would mean the new battery would be dead. Might want to pull it out and get it tested!

jdmccright

Next time it happens, open the hood and tap on the starter casing with a screwdriver handle or small rubber mallet while a friend turns the key to start it. If it fires right up, the starter needs to be rebuilt or replaced. If it starts but turns over slowly, then recheck the battery. If it's low, check the alternator.

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Current Garage:
NEW 2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L AWD
2003 GMC Envoy XL (aka "fat-a$$") - K&N air filter, otherwise stock.
1995 Chevrolet C2500 2wd, 5.7L - K&N air filter, otherwise stock...my weekend hauler.
1992 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L - K&N air filter.

Vehicle History:
2004 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab 4x4
1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd
1992 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab 4.3L
1995 Honda ST1100...my first (and only) new vehicle.
1980 Yamaha XS400
1980 Mercury Bobcat...my first car.