2000 Trooper won't start

[trooperbrett]

Just got back form having my 2000 Trooper towed home. My wife and kids were on a local trip to her sisters house and stopped to get a drink. She turned off the car then immediately turned it back on, but it would not start, only clicked. The key didn't stop moving, just off then on. Could it have blown the starter relay or starter motor or solenoid? Checked the battery and cleaned the battery posts, dash lights and headlights are bright, so I don't think it is the battery.

Any help would be appreciated...

Brett

[awer25]

Just thought I would post my recent similar problem on my '98. . .

Trooper always started fine, went to the video store, was in for <2 min to return a dvd, came out and the car didn't start. When the key was turned to "On", all dash warning lights came on, but faded off. Headlights wouldn't come on, off-road lights wouldn't come on (they're wired straight from the battery through a switch), even the LED on the switch wouldn't come on. Jumping it off helped at idle, but after driving 5 feet it would stall. Had it towed to a mechanic that tested the battery and it turned out there was an internal short in the battery.

This problem probably doesn't apply here b/c you said you tested your battery and your lights came on, but if you bring it to a mechanic, have them do a load test (I think that's what its called) on the battery to be sure because it could have a small short internally (mine was major) which weakens the battery enough not to start, but works the headlights. Similarly though, it happened almost instantly like yours.

[awer25]

Also one more thing, although you probably did this already. Turn on the headlights, have someone turn the key to "Start", look to see if the headlights dim or go out. A little dimming is normal, but if they dim a lot then its probably the battery.

[trooperbrett]

No luck, tried a few minutes ago after I read your posts. No dim on the headlights when turning the key to start, and it won't start when jumped either.

Thanks anyway, if you have any other ideas...
Brett

[awer25]

I guess my next guess would maybe be a loose wire somewhere, not on the battery terminal but on the starter. If it clicked, then the solenoid is probably good. If could be the relay if there is one, or fuse, I'm not sure what it uses. If you have the place and tools, I would pull the starter and hook it up to the battery to test it, or if not bring it to a mechanic. No sure what else . . .

[mlingk]

I just had a similar problem with my 99. Only it took about a day total. At first, it seems like the battery was dying and hard to start. I changed the battery out and the next day, same thing. By late afternoon, I just got the clicking noise. After awhile, it didn't even click, even with jumper cables. Headlights fine, etc. Turned out to be a bad starter. To remove the starter, I had to remove the entire left side exhaust, from manifold to just prior to muffler. Took about 3 hours due to rusted bolts on flanges. $150 for new starter (autozone), $20 for new flange gaskets from dealer.

[trooperbrett]

Well thanks for all the input, turned out to be the $$$starter$$$. Didn't have time to change it myself but at least I didn't take it to the DEALER!

Thanks,
Brett