Clicking sounds when attempting to start. Starter?

Hey guys. Need some suggestions.

Went to start my 08 V6 and I am getting rapid clicking sounds when trying. Battery was replaced 2 months ago and a new OEM alternator 1 month prior to that. I have driven almost 6000 miles since. Battery doesn't seem weak. My jump box is showing about 12.4 volts so I doubt it is the battery. I don't have my voltmeter handy so I used that.

Yesterday when I went to turn it over I heard that clicking. It started on the next attempt so I just assumed that I didn't turn the key far enough. Fast forward to today and it will not turn over, just clicking. It did turn over once after multiple attempts but once I shut it off it is doing the same thing.

Thoughts? Starter?

Btw, I have about 329k on the truck.

Thanks.

 

Check your connections. Don't just look at them, actually pull them off, clean if needed and reinstall them. Hopefully that is all it is. Good luck.

 

Does it start with the jump box?

 

What I have found is that "clicking" usually points to battery/voltage/connection issues, whereas a "single" click points more to the starter. For what it is worth 12.4 is not a very good battery reading. If you have a DVM you could try measuring post to post. The jump box reading would be influenced by a bad connection between the posts and the terminal lugs. Do you have a wire post cleaner? If not, get one....

 

Well I’m not sure. Let me explain. I did try the jump box and when I went to start I heard the clicking speed change. It almost sounded like it slowed down a bit. At the same time my friend said he saw some sparking at the connections by the battery. I disconnected the jump box and it started after few attempts. I don’t think I can say one thing has to do with the other though.

 

I can pick up my voltmeter and post cleaner later this evening. The battery is new but the cable ends could be corroded.

With that said, I am going to go back out to the truck and loosen terminals and move them around. Unfortunately I can do much than that as it’s in our condo garage so I don’t have the ability to lift it up or get under it here.

 

Sparking at the connections means a bad connection. Like the earlier poster said take the connectors off and clean the terminals, including the ground connector. Also may need to clean the starter connectors.
12.4V battery reading is ok if it’s sit a while.

 

Id say starter is bad.

 

Voltage drop test

 

You guys were right, I had a loose connection on my negative terminal. That would explain the spark I seen on that side as well when I used the jump box. I had to replace the battery a few months ago on my last road trip. I suppose I didn’t tighten it down sufficiently.

Even a “car guy” can make a mistake apparently.

I’ve been also having random ABS and traction lights come on. My guess this might be the cause behind those as well.

 

Thanks for reporting back your results.

So many seek info then drift off to never give us the results. And we all like to learn.

BTW, making our own mistakes over the years is how most of us can help others sometimes! And my bet is you'll never have a loose connection again.

 

Given the age of the vehicle it wouldn't hurt to check the continuity of your cables as well, more of a preventive thing. That was what I was thinking as I read through until I saw you got the connection diag.

IDK about that, my wife has been telling me for years I have loose connections

 

Vehicle battery connections dude. If your pacemaker battery has a loose connection she'll just collect the insurance.

 

I think she meant in my skull..no pacemaker here just yet anyway.

Though re insurance, good timing. I need someone to hold the ladder while I finish cleaning gutters on the house, maybe I shouldn't ask her?