2000 Cadillac DTS Clicking on start

70,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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NEBU99
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am wondering if my starter needs to be replace of is this a timing problem

When I try to start my car after sitting for a day or two I get a clicking noise as if the battery is dead but when I installed a new battery it starts up but if I leave it sitting for a few days it does the same thing, clicking as if the starter solenoid is not catching or if the starter is bad. what can this be? I have gone through a few batteries and I do not think it's the battery I installed a red cap battery recently and it was good for a few days and now it needs to be jumped and i am still getting the clicking noise and it will not start.
Jun 20, 2015 at 2:21 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
You have a drain on the battery that is running it down, or the generator isn't recharging it while you're driving. Measure the voltage across the battery while the engine is running. You should find between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If that is okay, the next part of the tests requires a professional load tester. We need to know what you get for full-load output current and "ripple" voltage.
Jun 20, 2015 at 2:32 PM
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NEBU99
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  • 2 POSTS
ok thanks I will get it to the dealer for the load test
Jun 21, 2015 at 3:49 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,413 POSTS
You can go to any independent repair shop for this too. GM dealers are going to consider your car "old" because most of their mechanics will have been there only a few years. They may not have had training on your car or be familiar with it.
Jun 21, 2015 at 11:59 AM
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