87 Mustang GT no start

[Stratspider230]

I turn the key and all I hear is a single "click". The dash lights stay operational and dont go dim from what I can tell. I cleaned the battery posts and the connectors, but thats as much as I know what to do when it comes to this problem. It just started yesterday, Idk what else to check or do. Any help is appreciated

[Blue)(Fusion]

Turn on your headlights and try to start the car. Do they dim alot when starting? If so, the battery is dead. Try jumping the car and drive it around for a while at cruising RPMs to let the alternator recharge the battery. If it's still low when you get back, you need to check the alternator and battery for proper operation and see what needs to be replaced.

If the lights do not dim when starting, it might be a bad starter motor. Again, if jumping the car works, then it is a charging/battery issue.

[Stratspider230]

Yeah the headlights have been turned on and they dont dim at all. Nothing dims or shuts off when I attempt to start the car

[Ralph123]

Sounds like your starter. That one click you hear is probably your relay. You need to check voltage at the starter. Here's some more help, scroll down on this page>>>> http://www.aa1car.com/library/car_wont_start.htm

[Stratspider230]

Ill see what I can do, thanks for your help :-)

[Stratspider230]

Do you know if theres an easy way to access the starter on this car? I have literally no jacks and I think its under the passenger side of the engine but no way to get to it

[Blue)(Fusion]

Only way to reach it is from underneath. It's quite easy to access from underneath once you get it jacked up. You can buy a pair of 2-ton jackstands with a jack for around $30-40 at Autozone. I got them and well worth it IMHO. Just wish the jack was able to go a bit higher.

[Ralph123]

I believe your battery positive cable goes directly to your starter. If you can see your starter, try tapping on it lightly with a hammer while someone else turns the key.

If you get it started. you can make some ramps like this if you got some boards around.>>> http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/...amps/index.htm

[Stratspider230]

Im able to start the car if I have my little brother push it while I pop the clutch in gear ;-) haha, but Ill see about that thanks a lot

[Stratspider230]

Yeah looks like thats my only option, thanks guys

[Stratspider230]

I got the jack stands and lifted her up, but cannot for the life of me find this damn starter. Is there an easy way to see this sucker?

[Blue)(Fusion]

It is on the passenger side right by the bellhousing.

[Stratspider230]

Alright I found the problem; whoever had the car last did a shit job on rewiring the negative cable going from the solenoid to the starter, the wires got corroded and wouldnt carry a signal. I took the electrical tape off, cut them and rewired it and taped it back up. Starts like a dream now :-)

[Ralph123]

Glad to see you fixed it. . I though it was your starter.

I know this is a little late but in the future if you need to tap your starter you may be able to do it without going under the car. By looking under the hood you maybe able to see just a piece of the starter under the engine and you can slide a broom handle down to it and tap on it.

[Stratspider230]

Yeah thats possible, but all the accessories are completely blocking any view of the starter lol. Also took the mufflers off just to see what she sounds like..I may never put them back on again haha. Its such a beautiful sound