2001 V8 LS won't start- clicking noise from fuse area

[GregA77]

Not sure where to start because there have been so many problems (pretty much every typical issue these cars have- clocksrping, regulators, misfire, long crank). I still haven't solved the misfire or long crank after $500 and changing coils, gaskets, etc.

Anyway, the car would always start after cranking for a bit. The battery has been weak and I've had to be jumped a few times but the car always started. This last time I figured it was the battery again but a jump wouldn't get it going. Everything in the car seems to power fine inside the car but just hear a click when trying to start. The click appears to be coming from the fuse box under the hood. Just looking for some direction on where to start or any comments on similar situation and what you found. thanks

[shorod]

How old is the battery? As you've probably read on this forum, there are lots of seemingly strange electrical issues these cars experience when the battery is getting weak/old. Are there any other indications when you try to start the car such as a flashing Theft/Security indicator on the instrument cluster? Do you have another key you can try? How about shifting the car into neutral and trying to start it that way. Is the click sound a hefty sound (like the starter solenoid trying to engage) or a wimpy click such as a relay clicking? Do you have a way to check the battery voltage when you try to start the car?

-Rod

[GregA77]

Originally Posted by shorod

How old is the battery? As you've probably read on this forum, there are lots of seemingly strange electrical issues these cars experience when the battery is getting weak/old. Are there any other indications when you try to start the car such as a flashing Theft/Security indicator on the instrument cluster? Do you have another key you can try? How about shifting the car into neutral and trying to start it that way. Is the click sound a hefty sound (like the starter solenoid trying to engage) or a wimpy click such as a relay clicking? Do you have a way to check the battery voltage when you try to start the car?

-Rod

The battery is very old and weak and that may be contributing to some of the electrical issues but it seemed to be the relay. It was a weak click and we switched it today and it started fine (aside from the long crank we still haven't figured out). I'm gonna have to get a new battery though and get the clock spring changed and hopefully all those issues will go away but still trying to figure out the misfire and long crank before I go there. Thanks for your help.

[danielsatur]

Electric fuel pump,Digital dash,ECU,PCU,and contol modules!

Time for a new battery,befor you burn-up Alternator.

Misfiring!
Clean MAF sensor & Throttle body might help.

MCGIVER

[shorod]

Based on all the strange electrical issues experienced by owners due to a weak battery, I'd suggest you start with the battery before getting too excited about the other issues. They may go away with the new battery and clean battery cable connections.

-Rod

[GregA77]

Originally Posted by shorod

Based on all the strange electrical issues experienced by owners due to a weak battery, I'd suggest you start with the battery before getting too excited about the other issues. They may go away with the new battery and clean battery cable connections.

-Rod

Since I last posted. The starting problem wasn't fixed after all. So I just replaced the battery and it started fine right after replacement but now a few hours later, it's back to clicking without even cranking. Not sure what's going on.

[GregA77]

Update: I went back out and tried about 4 times pulling the key in and out and every time it was the soft click. Then I tried it a 5th time and it started right up. Still not sure what that could be but at least I have a new battery.

[shorod]

With the soft click, is the Theft/Security light on or flashing? If not, it sounds like your starter is probably the issue. If the light is flashing, then you might have an issue with the PATS system (transponder key or wiring). If you have a second key for your car, even the valet key, you might try it for a few days to see if that changes things.

Have you driven the car enough with the new battery to have an idea if the misfire is gone?

-Rod

[GregA77]

Originally Posted by shorod

With the soft click, is the Theft/Security light on or flashing? If not, it sounds like your starter is probably the issue. If the light is flashing, then you might have an issue with the PATS system (transponder key or wiring). If you have a second key for your car, even the valet key, you might try it for a few days to see if that changes things.

Have you driven the car enough with the new battery to have an idea if the misfire is gone?

-Rod

Yes, the anti-theft system light comes on when I turn the key. Once again this morning it was back to just the clicking and wouldn't start again (I must've tried about 10-15 times). When I had the weak battery in, the alarm would often go off after failing to start, it no longer does that with the stronger battery. Just the click and lights coming on now. I have driven it enough to see that it is still missing. I will try a different key and see if that makes a difference.

[GregA77]

Well, just heard from the dealer and I guess it's the starter. He said if it was the anti-theft, the light would be blinking fast and not just holding solid. She said it's cutting out and causing the intermitent starting issue. Anyone know how hard it is to replace a starter on one of those? I'd like to save myself $230 in labor expense if it's not too much of a project.