clicking on start up

[sunster]

Sorry, double posting since it essentally the same motor and I own a 96 Lumina which this forum has helped me out in the past.

My sister has a '98 Malibu 3.1L that she says make a clicking noise while its cranking. The car always starts but hears click, click at the same time the starter is engaged. She has mentioned that the loudness of the clicking noise has varied as it is getting softer. The car is about 2 hours away so I can't diagnose without some help. Can someone confirm this sound like a solenoid and\or starter issue? If either, is it difficult to remove on a Malibu?

Thanks in advance.

[jeffcoslacker]

It does sound like a solenoid chatter if I'm understanding the nature of it. Have the connections checked before doing anything else. It could just be a bad connection.

[richtazz]

I agree with Jeff. Check the electrical connections first, as it could be a corroded terminal.

[sunster]

Thanks everyone. This will be the first thing I check. I had to replace a terminal end on my Lumina due to damage cause by my oil wrench.