No crank, couldn't start car until 10th key turn ideas?

[Pathy415]

Hello all,

Basically when I turn the on to start the car I just hear a click as if the solenoid on the starter is engaging but no start or crank. I ran a scan gauge and didn't get any codes, checked the battery(purchased less than 2 years ago) with meter and was about 14.5v with all accessories on and about 12.5v with the car off. I also turned the key to the on position and can hear the fuel pump kick on and the fuel filter was changed 2 months ago. I'm thinking I can rule out the fuel pump?

Today was the first time where I had to try to start the car about ten times before it started cranking. Drove to the gym and after I was done the car started up just fine with no issues. I checked the cables going to battery and it looked nice and tight with no corrosion. Looked at the starter and didn't see/feel any loose wiring although it is the original starter.

Any ideas what it could be to cause a click but no crank? Starter going out perhaps?

Thanks in advancefor any help.

[04pathse]

Check the battery under load. Hook up your voltmeter to the battery and see what voltage it shows AS YOU ARE TURNING THE KEY WHILE YOU ARE TRYING TO CRANK. If the voltage drops significantly, that could be the problem, need at least 11 volts in order to crank.

[Pathy415]

04pathse thanksfor the help

I just went out and did this and for like a split second as I was turning the key to on right before it cranked it hit about 10.5v but shot right up to about 14.5v immediately.

I tried to catch how long it stayed at 10.5v and it was literally like a millisecond. It seems to be starting normally like it always has but just dont want to get stuck somewhere.

[ipeelscats]

Some parts stores like Advance can test your starter and battery in the car. They check the amp draw of the starter and how many amps your battery is putting out. Voltage does not mean much if there is no amperage behind it. I would have both checked. It could be possible that the starter is just wearing out, or the battery is getting weak.

[Pathy415]

Had the battery load tested and it checked out ok. The car started fine with no issues today so maybe the starter is near the end of its life. Wonder how much it will cost for a replacement from a mechanic. I would diy but seems kind of a pain.

[barnaclebob]

I've had a battery test come back fine when the battery was in fact bad. 2 years is pretty quick for a battery to go bad though. A bad battery doesn't seem like it would start after 10 tries either.

[Pathy415]

So for the past week or so I haven't had any issues with starting and a re-test of the battery and charging system was fine so I'm hoping it was just an anomaly?

[wmj259]

So the problem is gone? Could be a cold battery start?

[Pathy415]

Yeah the issue hasn't come up again so far. It's not too cold where I live, about 65 deg F, so shouldn't be an issue?