Starter
Asked by Sam Dec 19, 2015 at 12:33 PM about the 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Sedan FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
My starter would only click, wouldn't turn over, even
with a bump from the hammer while trying to start,
the battery was putting out 12.4 volts so I assumed
it was the starter. I replaced the starter and now I
can't get any noise out of the starter. I've followed
wire diagrams, I'm worryed about a ground I found
that is bolted to the stater cylenoid. No blown fuses.
Any ideas?
3 Answers
what is the voltage at the battery reading while yo send power to the starter and solenoid...its called a load test.
It never stayed steady, went down to 9 then all the way down to between 3 and 2
Battery is bad or battery cable or corrosion issue. The voltage between 2 and 3 is likely the key. Measuring the at rest battery voltage is not always indicative of a good battery. Example: My 2006 Yamaha Royal Star would not start the solenoid would just click. The battery at rest voltage measured about 12.6 volts. I put it on a trickle charger and the charger showed it was fully charged. I again tried to start the Yamaha and just one click and that was it. Removed the solenoid (lots of fun) to check the wiring connections for damage or corrosion, but everything looked new. Then I go smart and measured the battery voltage when I hit the starter button. It went to zero volts. Battery was opening internally when a load was applied. Purchased and installed new battery and it fired right up. It took all afternoon to figure it out. Have your battery load tested to see if the issue is with it. Also remove and clean all connections to the starter, starter relay (solenoid) and the battery. A corroded ground can also cause issues. Best of luck with it.
