Starting problem

170,000 MILES • 4.7L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JKINARD
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
I just bought the vehicle listed above used. When I try to start it, it will click one time but it will not start. It started right up when I first bought it. It is not the battery. I assumed it was the starter so I took it to auto zone and O'Reilly's to have it tested. Both places said the starter was good. I put it back on the vehicle and tried it again. One click and nothing. I cleaned the battery post just in case. No change. I went under the vehicle and tapped on the starter. It started. Now it will start sometimes if I keep trying a few times. It will click once then start after about four or five tries. Is it possible the starter could be faulty even if the bench test was good? And if were the starter relay, would it click at all? What is going on? Also, it runs rough and sluggish. No power on acceleration. Would that be tune up (spark plugs)? There is no check engine light on right now. It was when I first bought it. It did not come back on after I disconnected the battery.
Nov 22, 2017 at 11:15 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
F4I_GUY
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,302 POSTS
It sounds like the starter is failing. If the vehicle did not start, you hit the starter and then it started it definitely sounds like the starter motor is sticking. When starters fail you do usually get the ‘one click’ noise you are experiencing. Those autozone testers are fine at testing the electrical side of the starter, but your issue is a mechanical fault within the starter motor.
Nov 23, 2017 at 6:03 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle