Does not start, it just clicks

1997 BUICK CENTURY

125,000 MILES • 3.1L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

WOLFER74

MEMBER
1 POST

Originally only occurred sporadically over last few years, maybe once a month or sometimes more frequently.
Tried replacing starter and ignition starter switch harness, swapped "crank" relays and fuses, then checked all fuses inside and out (instrument panel fuse panel and under hood fuse and relay box) that I could find. Also, cleaned all connections as I encountered them. I took pictures at every step only to find my phone camera had run out of storage shortly after starting tear down.
Lastly, I crawled under the starter and listened while the boss (wife) tried to crank and discovered the now even louder click/thump noise was coming from within the starter/solenoid. Would really appreciate any advice or help you could offer. I have read many informative related articles on your site, but most seem to be for a different year or model and I can't afford to just keep throwing parts ($) at this real stumper. Thank you

Dec 1, 2021 at 5:28 AM

AL514

✓Experienced Mechanic
5,642 POSTS

Hello, it sounds like you may be having an issue with power getting to the starter and solenoid. Or possibly a battery issue. You may need to get a multimeter to make sure there is a full 12 volts getting to the starter. I will leave diagrams for the starter circuits below. Circled in green should both be 12 volts when cranking the engine over. There are guides below to using a voltmeter, wire testing, batteries, starter. I think you're going to find a lack of voltage down at the starter.
You can also put the multimeter on the battery during cranking and see what it reads. It should not drop below about 9 volts during cranking. If you have any other questions regarding the testing or specific questions just ask here. You may just have a bad battery, but a multimeter are pretty cheap to buy, they can help you figure out all kinds of different issues. And you're only working on a 12volt system, so you can't electrocute yourself.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-car-battery

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-starter-and-solenoid-works

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Dec 1, 2021 at 11:56 AM

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