liquid

So I go to leave this morning and turn the key and all I get is a rapid clacking sound. Hmmmm, I try again and no luck. Seems as though the starter is bad. I've ruled out the battery since my radio, gauges, and lights all get power. I might try and replace the starter myself, any idea on how hard/easy it is? Thanks.

amf1932

I suggest you go back to the battery before you consider changing the starter! Even though it powers gauges, lights and the radio, that is NOT an indication that it has enough power to turn the starter motor. It's not that difficult to remove the battery and bring it to a place like Sears and have them check it on a load tester. I betcha that the battery is bad.

ArmyofOne

it takes ALOT of power to start a motor. i doubt all of your factory accesories in your car COMBINED do not draw the same amount of power it requres to turn that motor over.

juan01

yep, probably the battery

mmarshall

I'll second that bet. A battery that can still light up a few bulbs and run a couple of small electric motors may be WAY short of what is needed to crank a big starter motor.....even if you take both terminals off and clean them on the inside.
The average life of an auto battery is 3 to 7 years. If you have never changed the battery on a 1995 car, then, trust me....it doesn't owe you one cent.....It's paid the rent.

liquid

Well, I've cleaned the terminals they were corroded, but still no joy. I'll try out a new battery and see if any luck. The battery was replaced late last year, but who knows it might be a bad battery.