Car just makes a clicking noise and will not start.

[tcfls2]

I have a 1990 nissan 240sx with a ka24e in it. A couple of weeks ago my car would not start when I came back out from the store. It is a standard, so another guy and myself push started it and it started right up and drove home, but once I shut it off it dies. I took the starter off and tested it and it was dead. I took it to a mechanic and he said that the problem was the starter solenoid, but the rest of the starter was in good shape. I replaced the solenoid and it still does the same thing. Any help would really be appreciated.

[lbrowne]

Could be your alternator - I'm having the exact same problem. My thread is on the same page.

[nismoracingsx]

thought clicking was battery related? did you have your battery checked out as well?

[lbrowne]

thought clicking was battery related? did you have your battery checked out as well?

My thread will give him a bit more info - hence why I never elaborated much. He can test to see if its his alternator or battery etc.

[tcfls2]

The battery is brand new and has been tested and is still good. I even tried to jump start the car and it still just makes the same clicking noise.

[vancouverbc]

I didnt know the solenoid was separate from the starter on the 1990.Check for 12v+ at the starter connector. one probe on connector and one probe on ground should read 12v+. A clicking noise doesnt mean much unless you know what is clicking. Also, a clicking sound means the relay/solenoid is working. The starter motor is probably frozen up. Hit the starter motor to see if car starts.

[tcfls2]

Thanks for the help I will try it out and see what happens.

[Malac0da13]

could b a bad spot in the starter too i beleive...

[lbrowne]

Whack the starter a few times as someone is in there trying to crank it.

Use a bf wrench or tire iron. If it starts you have limited time left on that starter before she locks up again. You can get at it from the top, put the large wrench or whatever on it and whack it with a hammer - as someone is trying to turn it over.

[Malac0da13]

if u think its just sticking u can take it out and put it in a vice and try and clean and lube it up with graphite or sumthing and tap it with a battery and get it to activate and couple times clean and lube again that should get u a couple more months outta it...i did that with my gfs VW and it lasted like 6 months did it again lasted 6 more months

[tcfls2]

I ended up just buying a new starter and it started fine now. I guess the old one motor was just locking up on me. Thanks for the help.

[StuntingShaggy]

Incidentally my car started doing the same thing 3 days ago and today I tested a few circuits to see if I was getting power. I linked my positive directly to the battery and it started. Then it woudln't start, then it did again after a few tries. So I took the whole starter out and tested the solenoid and it kicked, so I was like WTF? Then I took the starter and shook it and heard 5 or 6 pieces shaking I tested it and it was completely dead. I can almost guarantee you it's your starter motor, not he solenoid because my car does the same thing. I hear the clutch sensor relay click, but it doesn't turn over, change your starter motor.