1996 Buick Regal Custom 3800 II No Start

[stonecrop7]

Greetings,
I own a 1996 Buick Regal Custom with a 3800 II engine a/t. My problem is that I cannot get it to start. Once I turn the key, it almost sounds like the starter is trying to go in and out of the flywheel. Kind of like a rapid fire. I have apprx 12.37 volts from the battery and have tried the spare key. All fuses are good. Does the same thing whether in Park or Nuetral. I even tried jumping the starter with no luck. When I jumped the battery from another vehicle, it just clicked once, not a rapid fire. Removed front 3 spark plugs to see if I could relieve any pressure but to no avail. It just doesn't seem to try and catch to turn over. Any suggestions?

[HotZ28]

You should have your battery load tested, 12.37v indicates it is nearly dead!

[richtazz]

Battery voltage should be 12.8 to 13.2 with no load and a full charge, so 12.37 is a bit low. That being said, it should still turn over with a jump using a good set of jumper cables. I'd make sure the battery cables are both clean and tight, both on the battery and starter/ground ends. If they are and it still wont start, I'd say you need a new starter.