Car won't start

It's time to learn some car repair knowledge. My car won't start but there's a clicking noise when the key is turned. After replacing a new battery, the problem persists. So we're changing the starter.

The starter, as its name suggests, is the part that gives the engine the initial boost. Here's a diagram for how it's connected:

(From these diagrams, it is not hard to understand how a car thief can start the engine by by-pass the ignition key.)

Here's a description of how it works:

The starter motor is a powerful electric motor, with a small gear (pinion) attached to the end. When activated, the gear is meshed with a larger gear (ring), which is attached to the engine. The starter motor then spins the engine over so that the piston can draw in a fuel/ air mixture, which is then ignited to start the engine. When the engine starts to spin faster than the starter, a device called an overrunning clutch (bendix drive) automatically disengages the starter gear from the engine gear.

Once the engine is started, the circuit for the starter is cut (at the Neutral Safety switch) and the started goes to siesta until the next start (hey, I'd like to have that job).

To replace one, the steps are the following (basically un-wire and un-mount the old one and mount and wire the new):

1. Gather the necessary tools needed such as wrenches, sockets, screwdriver and pliers.


2. Place the vehicle on ramps or jack up the front and support with jack stands. It is very important to block the rear wheels to keep the car stationary during this procedure. Never work under a vehicle not supported properly.


3. Make sure ignition is OFF and the remove the negative (ground) battery cable from the battery.


4. Note the location of all wires before removal to make for easier connection.


5. Remove the large starter cable going to the battery at the starter location.


6. Remove any other wires attached to the solenoid.


7. Remove the starter attaching bolts (usually there are two or three).


8. Remove any supporting brackets that holds the starter.


9. Drop the starter down away from the car. On some cars you may have to turn the wheels to one side, remove the idler arm, remove or loosen transmission oil cooler lines, exhaust pipes, or ground straps to give you enough clearance to get the starter motor away from the car.


10. Install the new starter in the reverse order of removal.


11. Reconnect battery cables and other wires to solenoid.


12. Place old starter in the new starter box for proper core return.

The price for a new (remanufactored) part ranges from $80+ to $110+; and for the labor Sears charges $75.