clicking sound when the key is turned and the car wont start.

[mattscar]

ok i have a 1992 240sx with the ka24de and sometimes when i turn the key all the way it just clicks and it wont start, but after a few tries it starts. and when it starts blue smoke comes out. can someone tell me whats the problem with the car. is it a loose sensor? its an AT btw.thanks

[mr_wizard]

Check all your grounds. Check the voltage on your battery, should be 12+ volts. Make sure all your electrical connections are tight. Finally, next time it doesn't start, hit the starter a few times with a hammer, it's possible the starter isn't disengaging properly... hitting it will make it disengage. Do this while someone tries and starts the car. I gaurantee it's 1 or more of those problems. Good luck.

[mattscar]

thanks dude, but how am i supposed to check the grounds?

[audtatious]

Make sure the battery ground wire is firmly attached to the battery and the area it screws to the body is not corroded. You can disconnect and sand the surface for better contact. Check the motor groundstrap as well.

[rsmithdrift]

Sounds EXACTLY like my problem that I just solved.

Here's the link to that thread: zerothread?id=172785

Turned out to be a bad ground under the hood