99 clicks but won't start

[starygurl82]

HELP! Our 99 clicks once but won't turn over. (just clicks when you turn the key) We tried to jump it but that didn't work. All the gages and everything go up like normal, lights work. Could it be the starter? Any advice would be appreciated! This just happened and my husband's going to Iraq in a couple months so really need this fixed.

[adrenalin2k4]

It sounds like it is your solenoid or the starter itselfs. But, i would put my money on the solenoid. Solenoids are not that expensive and isn't to much of a problem to replace. If you buy a Hanes Do-it-Yourself manual? It will give you a step by step instructions on how to do it.

Let me know if this helps you out at all.

adrenalin

[samturner]

Had the same thing on my 99 Malibu. I had 190,000 miles on it so I replaced both while I had it off, had it had less miles on it I would might have checked it out further.

The day before this happened I had left the lights on when trying to start it barely turned over. I charged the battery then just got the click so I figure it was time.

I have been very fortunate with this Malibu it was my company car and I put 800-1200 miles a week on it, almost all highway miles.

Of course when they gave it to me and I started driving it local the intake gasket had to be replace and the theft lock acted up. I and the company I worked for only had to put about $2,000 in it since it was new.

[bcopeland]

It is not the solenoid, it is the starter motor. The solenoid causes it to "Click" (which kicks out the starter pinion). The motor causes it to spin (whirlll sound) The starter needs both - first the click then the spin. When you hear the spin but no click it is the solenoid. When you hear the click but no spin then it is the starter motor. You need both.

Anyways - most auto parts houses sell it as one unit anyway so the discussion is really moot - you need a rebuilt or new starter.

[starygurl82]

kind of an update.. i tried again today (haven't been able to get it fixed yet because of $$) I tried and it made a couple of clicking sounds then stopped. Then I tried again and it clicked one time again then made kind of a wheeze sound. I know that sounds dumb but thats the only way i can describe it. Could it anyway just be the battery?Or should we go ahead and have the starter replaced and get a new battery... Thanks

[bcopeland]

Like I said, most likely it is the starter motor. You also may have weakened the battery. Here's what you do - 1) hook up cables to get a jump; then 2) tap on the starter with a hammer a little bit more than lightly. It could be frozen and this may cause it to free up and start ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE (say a month or two until you buy a starter)!