Car won't start and loud clicking noise
10-22-18, 02:32 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Car won't start and loud clicking noise
Hello. I have a 96 LS 400 which began giving me symptoms about 4 days ago. It was so hard for the engine to crank but once started, ran like normal. It got worse and worse each day so decided to test my battery and came back with a good test but the battery was slightly drained. I self disgnosed as the alternator not charging up the battery (im probably wrong?) What else could it possibly be? Yesterday, tried starting it and it wouldnt even turn. The lo lights would come on but no noise except for a loud, continuous click. Thanks.
10-22-18, 03:35 PM
#2
It’s probably starter, multiple posts about it, big job.
Having lights, radio, ac/heat off helps starting it for a while. My 99LS was starting ok in summer, but when it got colder, problem reappeared. I had been putting the job off for almost two years and finally did I couple weeks ago.
Having lights, radio, ac/heat off helps starting it for a while. My 99LS was starting ok in summer, but when it got colder, problem reappeared. I had been putting the job off for almost two years and finally did I couple weeks ago.
10-22-18, 04:20 PM
#3
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
It’s probably starter, multiple posts about it, big job.
Having lights, radio, ac/heat off helps starting it for a while. My 99LS was starting ok in summer, but when it got colder, problem reappeared. I had been putting the job off for almost two years and finally did I couple weeks ago.
Having lights, radio, ac/heat off helps starting it for a while. My 99LS was starting ok in summer, but when it got colder, problem reappeared. I had been putting the job off for almost two years and finally did I couple weeks ago.
10-22-18, 04:58 PM
#4
Racer
10-22-18, 09:37 PM
#6
I didn’t pay for it, did it myself. Took me 3 days, cleaning everything took the longest time, I think and I did extra stuff besides the starter - injectors, spark plugs, some vacuum hoses, upper radiator hose, etc.
Check the starter replacement threads. Have all parts and tools on hand. Stay organized - I had trays with partitions for bolts and nuts and I was also taking pictures and taking notes of the steps I did to make re-assemble easier.
Check the starter replacement threads. Have all parts and tools on hand. Stay organized - I had trays with partitions for bolts and nuts and I was also taking pictures and taking notes of the steps I did to make re-assemble easier.
10-22-18, 09:46 PM
#7
Like I said before, having lights, heat, radio, heated seats, etc OFF helps with first start in the morning. Sometimes it took me like 20 key turns/tries to start it. When it got really bad, I had to buckle up to start the car - no chime, absolutely no load on battery helps!
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10-22-18, 11:39 PM
#9
Racer
10-23-18, 12:40 AM
#10
Test and check the simple stuff first:
Battery cables clean with good contact.
Check battery voltage
Check alternator function-charging.
If all those are good, the starter is a common wear part with no specific time when they go. So don't have problems, some do. An indy doing this job will be $700 range or more. The dealer will start at ~$1K. Lots of threads here if you want to DIY just it is a pretty involved task to undertake.
Battery cables clean with good contact.
Check battery voltage
Check alternator function-charging.
If all those are good, the starter is a common wear part with no specific time when they go. So don't have problems, some do. An indy doing this job will be $700 range or more. The dealer will start at ~$1K. Lots of threads here if you want to DIY just it is a pretty involved task to undertake.
10-23-18, 06:37 AM
#11
Like I said before, having lights, heat, radio, heated seats, etc OFF helps with first start in the morning. Sometimes it took me like 20 key turns/tries to start it. When it got really bad, I had to buckle up to start the car - no chime, absolutely no load on battery helps!
10-23-18, 07:48 AM
#13
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Test and check the simple stuff first:
Battery cables clean with good contact.
Check battery voltage
Check alternator function-charging.
If all those are good, the starter is a common wear part with no specific time when they go. So don't have problems, some do. An indy doing this job will be $700 range or more. The dealer will start at ~$1K. Lots of threads here if you want to DIY just it is a pretty involved task to undertake.
Battery cables clean with good contact.
Check battery voltage
Check alternator function-charging.
If all those are good, the starter is a common wear part with no specific time when they go. So don't have problems, some do. An indy doing this job will be $700 range or more. The dealer will start at ~$1K. Lots of threads here if you want to DIY just it is a pretty involved task to undertake.
10-23-18, 08:13 AM
#14
Racer
Be sure to let us know what the results are.
10-23-18, 08:32 AM
#15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Will do. As a matter of fact I just went over some old service records and may have found why the alternator may be going bad. I replaced it about 3 years ago but the mechanic made a note saying my power steering pump is leaking on the alternator. 
So that may be the cause.
So that may be the cause.