1G Car won't start, strange clicking noise

[mac 108]

My car is a 91 GSX AWD automatic. It's completely stock with 89k original miles.

It was running and driving fine until yesterday when it would not start. I cleaned the battery posts and replaced the terminals. I also tried using a different battery, but it still does not start.

The starter does click when I turn the key, but does not do anything else. When the key is in the ON position, there is a clicking noise that seems to be coming from around the ABS module on the passenger side of the car.

Video of the ABS module and the clicking noise:
DSM :: 2011-05-11_14-34-19_626.mp4 video by jericho941 - Photobucket

Any thoughts? Bad starter? Bad relay of some sort? Bad battery cables or ground?

 

[xXEclipse]

My car is a 91 GSX AWD automatic. It's completely stock with 89k original miles.

It was running and driving fine until yesterday when it would not start. I cleaned the battery posts and replaced the terminals. I also tried using a different battery, but it still does not start.

The starter does click when I turn the key, but does not do anything else. When the key is in the ON position, there is a clicking noise that seems to be coming from around the ABS module on the passenger side of the car.

Video of the ABS module and the clicking noise:
DSM :: 2011-05-11_14-34-19_626.mp4 video by jericho941 - Photobucket

Any thoughts? Bad starter? Bad relay of some sort? Bad battery cables or ground?

1st thing I say is the starter, try tapping it with a hammer and see if it turns over

 

[crusada]

agreed on the starter thats where id go first.

 

[mac 108]

I figure bad starter, but the noise seeming to come from something besides the starter is throwing me off.

I have a spare starter off of a parts car. Next chance I get, I'll switch them out and post the results.

Thanks for the help so far

 

[sek_phok]

More than likely its your starter.

 

[98awdturbo]

is your battery fully charged?

 

[DSM1G90]

Can have a good battery, and it's good to clean posts, but how are the wires going to the connectors that attaches to the battery? If the connectors are anything but lead bright, that'll cause lack of current flow to the starter.

If you got replacement connectors, make sure that the wires are copper bright and tightly clamped in these connectors. Any form of corrosion acts like a huge resistor to prevent current flow.

How about the neutral switch - can you start, or attempt in either P or N ?

 

[Bud92gsx]

Make sure the starter on the parts car is an automatic..But start with the starter..

 

[Twinturbo120]

I get this problem because my battery crapped out. Make sure you battery has sufficient juice. You can always hit the starter a hammer like someone else said to see if that works or if that doesn't work have it tested at advanced auto parts. They do it for free.

 

[twalters09]

It sounds like you don't have a good connection to the terminals. Try to move the power wire to a slightly different spot on the terminal, I had this problem for a bit, pour coke over the end of the wires that's exposed along with the connector piece.

 

[DSM1G90]

pour coke over the end of the wires

... and that "coke" finds a way to get inside the battery and neutralizes the acid inside the battery, killing the battery royally...

This trick, you take the connections off and scrub them down with an old toothbrush and with warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda mixed in the water. This mix actually 'boils' off the white gunky corrosion, but don't let this water mix get in the battery, or it will kill the battery in a heartbeat since that baking soda/water mix neutralizes the acid in the battery.

Some, "old school" tips for you "younglings" to learn upon

-DSM

 

[Dsm4lyfe12]

... and that "coke" finds a way to get inside the battery and neutralizes the acid inside the battery, killing the battery royally...

This trick, you take the connections off and scrub them down with an old toothbrush and with warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda mixed in the water. This mix actually 'boils' off the white gunky corrosion, but don't let this water mix get in the battery, or it will kill the battery in a heartbeat since that baking soda/water mix neutralizes the acid in the battery.

Some, "old school" tips for you "younglings" to learn upon

-DSM

Never heard of this trick . But i am a youngling indeed!