02 Cavalier No power, rapid clicking when turning key

[merrittjr]

Last night I got in the car and noticed the clock was reset to 12:00. It then ran fine. This morning I tried to start it and I got nothing. When I turn the key to the off position there is a slight buzz and all the dials jump a little. I put the battery on a charger and and it gives me power, but when I try to start it all I get is rapid clicking. It's not turning over. It also seems to do something with the electrical system because simultaneously the trunk opens, the radio turns on, etc. What might be the problem?

[MrR0b0t0]

Are you sure the battery is connected good? Everytime I reconnect my battery the trunk opens and what not, the radio gets reset.

[merrittjr]

Battery is connected fine. Any other ideas?

[dwb985]

sounds like a bad Starter Solenoid........the only way to check them was kinda phased out since its on top of the starter which is under the car.

[merrittjr]

If this is the case, I'm guessing replacing it is the only option. Could it be anything else?

[Cavalier2000]

make sure your battery is good and all the wire's are good. for the most part check your ground

[stanzz]

I have the same problem with my 01 Sunfire. I cleaned the battery terminal bolts, but I don't think the problem is fixed.

[muff34]

check other end of ground strap not just battery end

[stanzz]

where is that at?

[Cavalier2000]

follow the black wire to the block

[merrittjr]

Wires are fine, ground is fine, battery is fine. Assuming it's the starter solenoid, can anyone give me or point me to instructions on how to replace that? I'm not a mechanic by any means, but with good instructions I'll try to tackle anything.

[Cavalier2000]

take the starter off and have it checked out and then go from there.

[noshun]

have the starter checked at autozone for free but it's not the solenoid. you'd either hear whirring or a single click. it's a lack of power to the starter. Clean all of the connections mostly the ground at the starter with rough sandpaper and try again. You also might want to check the battery again it may not be holding a charge. look for any bulging on any of the sides. this is a sure sign it's dead. your problem is battery or conections as simple as that. if you have a 5 speed bump start it and then run it for 15 mins if it wont start after that it's probably the battery.

[noshun]

bollox

[merrittjr]

How trustworthy is the light on the battery, because mine is as bright as can be. Is it possible that the battery holds enough juice to show the light but not start?