Hi guys, my car wont start and make a single click and wont even try and turn over, battery is fine. Can push start it no problem im sure its a starter or solenoid problem. I need to take it into a garage, to replace the starter motor/solenoid but can they be replaced as one item? or are they too separate parts? I ask because im planning on buying the parts on ebay for cheap and then just paying labour costs. So do I need to buy both or if I just by the starter motor will the solenoid be with it?

"Battery is fine" . . . . . mmmm . . . . . try another one before you do anything else.

Yes, starter motor and solenoid are one unit.

thanks mad max! I say its not battery because the lights the radio and dash work fine. there is no dim when I try to crank it either?

also google told me that many grunting clicks means a bad battery but one strong click and no attempt to turn over is a starter solenoid?

would this work in my 96 TE exec?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1992-1996-TR-TS-MAGNA-4-CYLINDER-STARTER-MOTOR-/170547042989?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b5655aad#ht_1086wt_1037

No if you have a third gen you need a third gen starter

$85 for used or $179 for brand new is what I charge for them for the V6 motors, you should be able to find them at local wreckers.

and for a 4 cylinder? I just dont really live near a wreckers

If you are absolutely sure it is the starter motor, you could disconnect the battery and pull the starter motor out, then take it to an automotive electrician to get checked and reconditioned.

Parts for a third gen 4 cylinder wouldn't be too common at a wreckers.

how can I be certain it is the starter motor? I want to try and buy a part on ebay because i dont have alot of money being a uni student and I read somewhere that re building the starter motor would cost over 400 dollars :(

would this work?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1998-2000-TE-TF-MAGNA-4-CYLINDER-STARTER-MOTOR-/180643937206?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0f37bbb6#ht_1576wt_1037

You need to know what you are doing to bench test it.
Before you take it out make sure your terminals are clean and tight and no corrosion as it will affect the current flow to the starter.
If all are good and you are positive the battery is ok or tried another pull the starter out and take to auto electrician is the best way.
If you know what you are doing you can put it in a vice and connect to a battery and then short the solenoid to positive and see if it works. V1

From experience, and I could be wrong, but generally, issues with the solenoid is when it is stuck open and happens most often after driving for a while and then stopping and it wont start. You would not even here a click and the trick to get it unstuck is to gently tap it with a small hammer or screw driver while attempting to start the car. If it clicks then power is getting past the solenoid.

If its the car you have it should work ok then.

P.S Some starters you can buy solenoids but no point if you cannot confirm that it is the problem.


how can I be certain it is the starter motor? I want to try and buy a part on ebay because i dont have alot of money being a uni student and I read somewhere that re building the starter motor would cost over 400 dollars :(

would this work?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1998-2000-TE-TF-MAGNA-4-CYLINDER-STARTER-MOTOR-/180643937206?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0f37bbb6#ht_1576wt_1037

re building the starter motor would cost over 400 dollars
Just buy a complete new one on ebay fixes that expensive idea!!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SOLENOID-suit-MITSUBISHI-STARTER-M1T72583-12-Volt-PAJERO-HYUNDAY-11-471-/400315087637?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d34a37b15

Message this guy he may be able to help you out.

You need to know what you are doing to bench test it.
Before you take it out make sure your terminals are clean and tight and no corrosion as it will affect the current flow to the starter.
If all are good and you are positive the battery is ok or tried another pull the starter out and take to auto electrician is the best way.
If you know what you are doing you can put it in a vice and connect to a battery and then short the solenoid to positive and see if it works. V1

Not really, often the click is the solonoid workign but the brushes are worn, removing it will often allow any grit under the brushes to move and the starter to work especially in a bench where there is no load on it.

Best to take out and get repaired, 4cyl manual starters are very hard to find, good luck if you are looking for a used one

does the fact that I couldnt start my car while it was hooked up to another car for a jump start officially mean that its not my battery? also vlad where is my solenoid located so i can hit it? is it up the top or in plain sight?

does the fact that I couldnt start my car while it was hooked up to another car for a jump start officially mean that its not my battery? also vlad where is my solenoid located so i can hit it? is it up the top or in plain sight?

Should be in plain sight next to the starter however, as Mal and myself mentioned, the solenoid is clicking so power is been passed through. Tapping on the solenoid only fixed the hot start non-starting issues where there is absolutely no clicks.

Edit: The starter solenoid is the shorter thinner cylinder attached to the starter. See here (http://www.2carpros.com/images/articles/electrical/starter/starter_motor.jpg) and here (http://denso-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DENSO_Tandem_Solenoid_Starter.jpg).

I might have to do what madmagna suggests. Vlad Im sorry i didnt explain my self correctly, i meant is the starter/solenoid on top (on the surface) when you pop the bonnet, or will I have to reach in because its under some other stuff?

I might have to do what madmagna suggests. Vlad Im sorry i didnt explain my self correctly, i meant is the starter/solenoid on top (on the surface) when you pop the bonnet, or will I have to reach in because its under some other stuff?

SHould be near the bottom of the engine near the transmission.

Madmagna is correct. It's the brushes. The solenoid draws some of its electrical path through the brushes and if they are worn the solenoid won't pull in.