Starter problem

[dorthensensens]

Hello,
I'm having a starting problem with my 1978 jeep CJ7 with an AMC 360 engine. I have a new alternator and new battery. When I turn the key, I hear the starter solenoid click, the jeep doesn't start and then my voltmeter will go to zero volts until I disconnect the battery lead and reconnect it. I've changed my starter solenoid with a manufacturer replica from onix-ada. Same behaviour. Before I start buying a new starter (which I can exchange my old one for a new one and get a discounted price for $85) I'd like to know if there is a way for me test if it is in fact my starter that is a problem or are there other less costly things I can replace before getting a new starter? What would any of you do in this instance. Thank you.

p.s. let me know if you require any more information.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Usually a clicking solenoid means a bad solenoid or low battery or bad ground, and usually when the starter is bad the pinion won’t move forward to engage the ring teeth. Are the connections clean and tight? Check them all and at the battery use a terminal cleaner. Is the battery charged? Test it with a volt meter. Any good parts shop can test the starter before you buy a new one.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Normally when it clicks and every thing dies its a bad connection at the battery. Id pull both cables and clean the terminals with some sand paper then reattach the wire. If it was a bad starter motor you wouldnt have to pull a terminal and reinstall it. To test the starter you can run a jumper cable directly from the batey to the starter.. if it truns you got a bad connection some place.

My money would be on the cables.

 

[JR74CJ5]

As they said, and pay special attention to the grounds too...



~ Jr

 

[007]

This happened to me as well. Swapped batteries - nope. Swapped solenoid - nope. Swapped starter - nope. Swapped CABLES - YES!

Freakin' starter cable was bad. Don't know where, sure didn't "look" bad, but I swapped it and it's been fine since. Very frustrating.

 

[97DieselVT]

This happened to me as well. Swapped batteries - nope. Swapped solenoid - nope. Swapped starter - nope. Swapped CABLES - YES!

Freakin' starter cable was bad. Don't know where, sure didn't "look" bad, but I swapped it and it's been fine since. Very frustrating.

glad to hear its back up and running