I get a "click" sometimes when trying to start the car

Good afternoon,

Does it eventually start? If it does, it is not the relay.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If it does not, testing needs to be done in the starting system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

I attached a wiring diagram for you to view. You need to test the fuse for power on both sides.

Roy

Yeah. It starts. And I had a helper start while I used a stethoscope on the relay. Even when it doesn't start, the relay clicks, and the starter clicks.

Then it sounds like the starter motor has failed. It has a dead spot on the armature.

Roy

What's the procedure? Removing the front driveshaft?

Procedure below.

No to the driveshaft.

Roy

1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Disconnect solenoid wire connector (2) from solenoid terminal.
4. Remove battery cable eyelet (4) from stud on starter solenoid.


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5. Remove three starter mounting bolts (2).
6. Remove starter (1) from transmission bellhousing.

Sorry. This is a v6 not a 4 cylinder.

That makes a difference. Correct information always helps.

Roy

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove 2 flange bolts securing left exhaust downpipe to crossover pipe. Lower pipe slightly to allow front propeller shaft removal.
4. Remove front propeller shaft.


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5. Remove two starter heat shield bolts (3) at side of starter.
6. Remove starter heat shield nut at front of starter.
7. Remove starter heat shield.


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8. Remove solenoid wire connector (3) from solenoid terminal.
9. Remove battery cable eyelet (2) from stud on starter solenoid.


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10. Remove two starter mounting bolts (2).
11. Position front of starter to face rear of vehicle. Rotate starter until solenoid position is located below starter.
12. Remove starter from vehicle by passing it between exhaust pipe and transmission bellhousing.

This is ridiculous. I don't know what I'm missing here, but it wont come through because of the catalytic converter. Every video online people are just sliding the starter between it but I do not have room like in the videos. Picture attached.

Also the year is 2002, not 2006. But the procedure should be the same.

Okay, it makes a big difference with the right year and the right engine.

The exhaust has to be dropped as in the procedure I attached. 2002 is different than in 2006.

Roy

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Remove 2 flange bolts securing left exhaust down pipe to crossover pipe. Lower pipe slightly to allow front propeller shaft removal.
4. Remove front propeller shaft.

I lowered the exhaust to remove the propeller shaft. You're saying unbolt the rest from the head?

Correct. It has to come down low enough to remove the starter.

Roy

Anything special about that procedure?

No, not at all. Straight forward procedure.

Roy