Single click from starter - no start

[dgw1972]

This has happened 3 times now. I turn the key and hear one single click from the starter but get no crank. The 2 previous times, repeated turns of the key got it to eventually start but today its not going. Just looking for some input here, its a stuck solenoid or a bad starter most likely right?

[hye d]

Check your battery?

[thereisnoyun]

bad solenoid if you ask me. Its not engaging all the time. Starter migth be fine, but you may need a new solenoid. check real oem, you dont need to buy a new starter.

[dgw1972]

Thanks. Any way to change the solenoid without pulling the starter?

[jlevie]

That can be caused by a low battery, poor primary power/ground connection at the battery, poor connection at the primary power lead to the starter or the ground strap from the body to the engine, or a problem in the starter. Check the easy stuff first before pulling the starter.

[Ruffian]

I'm gunna go with corroded wiring or connection to the posts.

[a3ternus]

check your battery?

+1
n.

[SpecM]

Any way to change the solenoid without pulling the starter?

nope, sorry

[dgw1972]

Well I f*ed up. Its been so cold here that I havent messed with the car until last night. I found that the positive battery cable was loose so I tightened it. With a jump the car started right up so I got a new battery to be on the safe side. Here is the retard moment, in the dark I hooked up the battery backwards. Naturally there were some huge sparks. Now, with the battery hooked up correctly, the alternator smokes. Obviously i've done some serious damage but why would the alternator smoke when the battery is hooked up(correctly)?

[Knockenwelle]

Maybe you pissed off the diodes in the alternator. Is it charging? Might need replacing...