96 toyota tercel starting problems

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

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!

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.