97 tercel won't start

[marktele]

Makes a loud clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it the starter ?
Where is it located? Easy to replace?

[tubjub]

yea.... sounds like a starter/dead battery to me. buy yourself a haynes or chiltons manual and have fun... if you are the slightest bit mechanically inclined, you can do it.

[xzanth]

hey

as with any car.. lets cover the basics...


1. take a hose and rags, with the engine having been off or never started that day yet....wash off the engine and area.... use the rag to remove the excess grease and oil and soot.

2. look at the water fluid resivor for the washer.... the radiator....and of course, pop the tops off the batterys...die hards or not. unless its a sealed variety. ensure the fluid is to the fill line if not add a little water... tap water if fine.... distilled better.

3. look at the connectors to the batter.... do you see anything green like rust or cabon buildup... you may have to loosen and remove, then reconnect the battery termina leads or wires...

4. look at the fuse panels to include the fuse link and make sure all your fuses are good and not worn or burned..

5. allow the engine to dry off.... sometimes water might get into the air intake manifod after a engine wash and make starting the vehicle difficult..

since you have aready mentioned that the car clicks, it shows that the battery has power or held it before.. you may have to connect it to another car and ...do not jump start it.... but connect it to another car thru the body and engine connects and not battery to battry, the electricty could arc inside the battery and damage or destroy it.

this will allow the battery to slow charge for a while... then after the time it takes you to go use the bathroom, you should be able to come back out and disconnect the car and start it like normal.

then after you have it running go get it checked at a battery warehouse, they can run a diagnostic and let you know whats wrong....battery or alt or gen or starter or wires..

good luck