HELP! No crank, just single click. (Good batt, good starter)

Hi!
Car was running fine, then one morning just got a click when I turned the key to start.

Battery and starter were tested at an auto parts store (fine) I also tried a new starter (same results)

I've cleaned all the connections and the fuses are all good.

Starter gets ~13 volts when it needs it but just clicks once. It is also well grounded.

Crank spins freely and the flywheel looks to be in good shape, teeth all look fine.

Anybody have any advice or tips?

Cheers!
A.J.

 

Yep, I go with new solenoid.

 

May not be solenoid if you are hearing a click. Many times the battery has enough voltage but not enough amperage to do the job. Try to jump it from another car and see if it starts. This happens to me all the time when my battery is old.

 

I would also look into your grounding again, quick check would be a set of jumper cables one end on a starter bolt other end on battery negative.

 

So the engine ground wire/connections are tight and clean?

And like 74Grabber suggested, you can also rule out the solenoid by bypassing it with jumper cables.

 

I was saying how to rule out a possible grounding problem by going negative on battery to starter bolt to ensure there is a good ground at starter. Than just a quick turn of the key, if the starter spins you know you have a grounding problem don't try and START the car with these cables on there. Just for testing purposes only.

I normally would not tell anyone to do this without knowing there mechanical ability first hand lots can go wrong quickly jumping hot wires like this.

You can rule out the solenoid by going positive on battery to positve on starter with cables to. Same deal just quickly make the connection with the cable at the battery, and while doing it make sure NO cable is touching ground anywhere.

Please just make sure parking brake is set, car in park, wheels chocked when doing anything like this. Dont want the cable to get welded and starter spinning with car in gear. Can turn into a big problem real quick with possible injury to yourself and vehicle.

 

yeah, I got that. I was saying you can also rule out the solenoid in the same manner.

And definitely put safety first when using these methods, your suggestions are spot on.

 

Ok I mis read your post the first time, I just didn't want anyone shorting out the battery trying to save a few minutes