Hi everybody,

I woke up this morning and got in my car to go to school, and my car wouldn't start. I used a multimeter to check the battery, it was fine. The car doesn't crank. It just makes a clicking sound.

I live in a small city w/ bad public transport and a car is essential to getting around.

Any ideas?

 

ExpLo,

Since you have already determined that the battery is in operating condition then I am inclined to suggest that perhaps one of your starter's sub wires are loose.

Take a look at the diagram below and note the starter sub wire (ref #2). Inspect the starter sub wire in your car to ensure that they're still properly connected.

 

If the clicking is coming from the engine area, it may be the starter. IIRC, the starter is hidden under the intake manifold on your car. Use something to bang on the starter and see if you can start the car. It's a common problem on your car.

 

If the battery is good and you have no clicking noise, then I would suspect a possible problem with a connector having come loose, etc. However, you have a clicking noise, which is probably the starter solenoid throwing the starter gear out (hence click); but, the starter doesn't quite have enough to turn the engine over.

If this is the 4 cylinder, the starter is located under the intake manifold, near the front of the car. Use something long to tap/bang on the starter, it would help if you had someone to try to start the car and then try tapping on the starter while they are doing this.

 

onmyownaccord - thanks i will check the wiring
redbull-1 - how will banging on the starter help?

 

Here is a link that explains it in more detail.

misterfixit.com/starttst.htm

There is a high likelihood it will turn out to be a bad starter.

 

Problem fixed. Thanks guys.

 

?? What was the problem? Was it the starter?