After replacing the battery and alternator there is just one click, but no start?

Tiny
CHRIS V.
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,021 MILES
New battery, new alternator, no solenoid rapid clicking, just one click and no start. The problem happened occasionally at first, would start after a couple of attempts but now nothing. The car will start right now from a jump, what the heck! Please help, thanks!
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 AT 1:24 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
BRENDON S
  • MECHANIC
  • 653 POSTS
Good evening,

It sounds like to me your starter has died. They bind up when they get older. The jump starts probably sent more amperage to the starter and helped it to overcome the bind.

Sometimes you can tap it just right with a hammer and it will start. This only works so many times though.

For now, I would use it as a test. Try tapping on the starter with a good hammer. Hit it on the bigger part, stay away from the solenoid. Then try to start it. If it didn’t start, try having someone turn the key to the start position, while you tap on it. If it does start, I would replace the starter.

Some really useful information on starters and their operation:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

This link will show you how to replace a starter with a lot of other good information too:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

If you need any more help or any more information just reply to this message. Hope this helps.

Good luck,
Brendon
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Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 AT 4:44 PM

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