Pain in the *** starter

[SlidewaysScott]

Ok here's what's up. About 2 weeks ago, my car wouldn't start (s13 hatch, ka24e)...wouldn't even turn over. So thinking it was the starter I just gave it some love taps and it started fine. Never did it again until about 3 days ago and the same problem happened. This time however the love taps didn't work. I had an extra starter that I know worked, but didn't have time till today to put it in. So the last couple of days just to get around I've been starting my car in gear and that works and it runs fine...which also makes me think it's definantly the starter....

I took about 20 minutes today to put the new one in...same problem, check fuses and such in the box in the engine bay, all good. All my accessories work, I tested my battery at my work and it's good. But still when I turn the key no go, doesn't even try to turnover and I can hear a click coming from the right side of the engine bay so I think the relays are good???

Can someone help me with this or have any ideas?? I don't have my s14 up and running yet and I need this car running to just get around between work and everything!!

[180fan]

check out the grounding on the starter. It's too intermittent for a normal run of the mill issue with something else in the system and change out the relay.

[SlidewaysScott]

Which wire is the grounding wire? I just want to make sure so I don't bust anything and have to buy a new one haha. There's the one wire that comes from the starter itself to the solenoid, and then the wire that comes from the harness to the solenoid. Also where exactly is the relay located? is it in the fuse/relay box itself in the engine bay, or is it kind of intertwined with the harness somewhere and hidden? ugh

[mr_wizard]

Try having someone hit it with a hammer while your starting it. I know a friend of mine and I had to do this for about 20 seconds or so but after that it started up fine. Also, how loud is the clicking? It could be sparking somewhere meaning your grounds aren't grounded correctly. Make sure they are all connected and tight.

[SlidewaysScott]

Ok I'm going to check the relays and stuff today at work to make sure. One more thing I forgot to add, I know the starter is getting 12 volts for sure, so what should I check for now?