I've been having starting problems for a few weeks now but it's gotten MUCH worse. When I turn the key the starter clicks and that's about it. I have to keep turning rapidly like it isn't getting spark or something. I just got my water pump changed a few days ago but here's the thing......while changing the pump, my uncle removed the 4th spark plug wire & spark plug and placed an unwound hanger where the spark plug would go so he could test proper timing while doing the work. Anyways, here's what's strange to me. The f&*ker started ONE CRANK like nothing was ever wrong with the car being able to start. After all the work and putting the spark plug back in place the problem seemed to worsen seeing as I have this starting problem more often than before now. I noticed a few wks back while sealing my valve cover gasket that at least one of the spark plug wires has a small tear in it. Aside from that, I haven't changed the spark plugs since November last yr. and I don't think I've ever changed the spark plug wires since I got the car in 06 but if so it's still been quite a while. Is it possible that my problem is due to the spark plug wires and the spark plugs? Keep in mind I mentioned it started with one crank with a plug wire and plug removed. I'm torn between those and the fuel pump. I started a new job today and I can't afford to have to constantly report to my boss that I had car trouble. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Does the engine crank when you turn the key? If the starter just clicks but the engine doesn't rotate, that's either a bad starter or bad connections. It's typical for these starters to wear out so they click but don't turn, but eventually it will work after you try several times. It will get worse and worse until it will never work.

 

It does the second thing that you mentioned which is click but doesn't turn and works eventually after trying several times. Guess I should look into buying a new starter then? Because like I said, it got worse after some time but weird to me that it started with one crank with one of the spark plugs removed.

 

That almost always means a bad starter, but also check that the connections at the battery are tight.

It started once on the first try just by coincidence. If you think about it, when the engine isn't turning, there's no way that it could know if the spark plugs are installed or not.

 

So I went outside this morning and the car didn't start at all. Popped the hood and traced one of the positive cables that looked a little slack, turns out it's the starter cable. I worked late shift today so I just fixed it good enough to get to work. Starts have improved so it's possible as you also mentioned just a connection problem. I'm off on Saturday so I will have better time to take a look at it when there's light out.

 

First thing this morning I made some adjustments to the starter cable's connection to the pos. terminal. So far the starting issue has pretty much stopped, so far I've only had trouble starting once for today so I'd say that it's definitely a connection problem. Thanks for your help mk.

 

It sounds like your starter. I had a similar problem with my old topaz. The starter was dying so it was very finicky about when it would work and when it would not. You may just need to bit the bullet and put a new one it. Price it out at shops or if you are good with tool and brave, do it yourself.

The click you hear is the solenoid engaging but then the starter is not engaging.

 

thats common happened to my starion and instead of checking i just went out and bought another starter and it was just a dirty connection,hope it doesnt happen again just make sure to clean the connector itself and where its getting connected

 

while your at it might as well take out the starter and take it to discount or autozone and they check it for free

 

There's no autozone or discount here mr.12a, if u noticed my location I'm in the Bahamas. Today though I bought 2 cans of brake cleaner and a can of wd40. cleaned my tranny i would say a fair amount and wd i used on a few of the connections (the ones I know it's safe for, the others I used some electrical cleaner). So anyways, after using the wd 40 on the starter cable it seems to be starting fine 2 cranks and starts no more sometimes it does and doesn't. Haven't had the clicking all day. I know that I might need a starter but I'm monitoring it for now. Other than that I called my uncle and asked if he could take a look when he has some time.