"Click" when trying to start, problem and solution
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Central VA
"Click" when trying to start, problem and solution
Last night my truck decided to just "click" when I turned the key. It had been starting fine, first try every time before. Checked the battery voltage, it was 12.5V.
From reading here I was pretty convinced it was the starter relay/solenoid on the fender, so I went and bought one today at Advance Auto for $9 or so, and while I was at it I picked up some new battery terminals, the "quick release" type and a battery terminal cleaner.
I took the old terminals off and found there was a lot of rust on the strands of the negative wires and a lot of rust and corrosion on the positive wires. I used WD40 & a rag to clean them off, seemed to work pretty well, don't know what you're supposed to use. Put the quick release terminals on and the truck cranked just fine, problem solved I belive.
BTW, the quick release terminals are very cool, they have a lever on the bolt head. With the lever up you tighten the thumbscrew on the other end of the bolt, then press the lever down and that makes it tighten another turn or so, locking it onto the post. These will be really handy since so many projects start with taking the negative battery terminal off, and it's always been a PITA because the only tool I can get a bite on that that nut with is pliers, which always dinged it and the terminal up.
From reading here I was pretty convinced it was the starter relay/solenoid on the fender, so I went and bought one today at Advance Auto for $9 or so, and while I was at it I picked up some new battery terminals, the "quick release" type and a battery terminal cleaner.
I took the old terminals off and found there was a lot of rust on the strands of the negative wires and a lot of rust and corrosion on the positive wires. I used WD40 & a rag to clean them off, seemed to work pretty well, don't know what you're supposed to use. Put the quick release terminals on and the truck cranked just fine, problem solved I belive.
BTW, the quick release terminals are very cool, they have a lever on the bolt head. With the lever up you tighten the thumbscrew on the other end of the bolt, then press the lever down and that makes it tighten another turn or so, locking it onto the post. These will be really handy since so many projects start with taking the negative battery terminal off, and it's always been a PITA because the only tool I can get a bite on that that nut with is pliers, which always dinged it and the terminal up.
. I'll buy those things and see how it works. thanks
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk, Virginia
Had the same problem this weekend also. Cleaned the terminals up and took care of the problems...However, I will replace the cables this comming week. Not a big fan of the bolt on terminals, they tend to rust on the strap over the cable. Not the best thing for conductivity. Have not seen the "quick release" type yet, but if they are the same type of construction, I think I would go with the molded connectors on new cables.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Central VA
Yep the quick release type of terminals that I used still has the strap that squeezes the cable. The strap apparently does cause rust.
Guess you could keep WD40, silicone, or something on there to help with the rusting problem, but you'd have to stay on it.
Yeah my cables are looking a little tired too, they should probably go.
Guess you could keep WD40, silicone, or something on there to help with the rusting problem, but you'd have to stay on it.
Yeah my cables are looking a little tired too, they should probably go.
