Forum:
Hi Guys,
I have a 96 Petrol Sportrak ELXi and on the odd occasion it wont turn over.
I can hear a click when you turn the key, but nothing happens. It's done this a few times, but normally you just wait a min and try again and it's fine. But now it's not turning over at all...
The battery if charged, so I'm thinking it may be a problem with the solenoid!?!?
Is this a normal problem?
How easy and where can I get a new solenoid?
Is it easy to fit myself?
Thanks
Dave
It is the battery.
This is usually a sign of a failed battery. I bet the headlights dim when you switch the ignition key.
Even though 'fully charged' an internal plate could be the problem and there is insufficient ampere to turn the starter motor. A meter might read 12V [should be higher and nearer 14v] but you need sufficient amps or power output. The 'click' is the solenoid engaging but there exists insufficient amper to twist the starter motor.
I suggest you connect another 12v battery and see if cures the problem [Any 12v car battery will do the test].
Alternatively try a jump lead/start using another vehicle - do not let the vehicles touch each other, connect earth lead to the engine blocks, start donor engine, connect lead positives to battery terminals, wait a few seconds and then start your engine. Remove positive cable, remove earth cable.
Could be dirty connectors .... clean both battery terminals and remove/clean the battery lead where it is bolted to earth. Then do the same for the starter - remove and clean the connectors.
Finally remove the starter. If you are careful you could connect it direct to the battery. If it 'revolves' then it it not a solenoid problem.
IMHO you have a failed/failing 12v battery.