Car won’t start, I hear one “click”

[Cobralove]

Hello all,

Brand new into learning to drive stick. Stalled a few times in my newly purchased 96cobra. On the last stall it was super jolty and shakey. After that now when I go to turn the car on you hear a obvious “click”. It’s just one click. The battery is good. What could be the culprit? Could the wire that connects by the starter have come loose or anything like that ? What are the culprits that cause this? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[wmburns]

Can you bar the motor over hand?

What happens if jump the starter's solenoid? Be sure that the car is in neutral/park with the wheels chocked.

Here's some information on how to trouble shoot the battery and alternator.

Howto perform charging system voltage drop test
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-fo...perform-charging-system-voltage-drop-test.56/

 

[Cobralove]

Can you bar the motor over hand?

What happens if jump the starter's solenoid? Be sure that the car is in neutral/park with the wheels chocked.

Here's some information on how to trouble shoot the battery and alternator.

Howto perform charging system voltage drop test
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-fo...perform-charging-system-voltage-drop-test.56/

I have got the car started by doing a rolling push start so I know the engine turns and isn’t locked up. Because I hear the click sound from the solenoid I assume this means it’s getting power to the solenoid. The starter never had a problem before. Started strong and fast every time. However now after this hard joltly movement stall, it doesn’t. Makes me think it’s a loose wire going to or from the starter. I have not tried to jump the starter solenoid however. How do I do that ?

 

[Neuron]

I have got the car started by doing a rolling push start so I know the engine turns and isn’t locked up. Because I hear the click sound from the solenoid I assume this means it’s getting power to the solenoid. The starter never had a problem before. Started strong and fast every time. However now after this hard joltly movement stall, it doesn’t. Makes me think it’s a loose wire going to or from the starter. I have not tried to jump the starter solenoid however. How do I do that ?

Here is an excerpt from what burns is asking you to try, highly recommend you following this article in its entirety.

CLEAN and check (emphasis on visual checks and clean);

• battery post. Don't ignore those corrosion cauliflowers growing on the posts
• battery terminals (pay special attention to the battery negative as it's bad about splitting)
• Clean the acid migration from the top of the battery.
• Grounds around the radiator core support.
• Battery condition. Does it hold a charge? Is it fully charged? Many of you won't believe it but a bad battery can "cause" the alternator to drop out. No battery=no alternator.

 

[Cobralove]

Can you bar the motor over hand?

What happens if jump the starter's solenoid? Be sure that the car is in neutral/park with the wheels chocked.

Here's some information on how to trouble shoot the battery and alternator.

Howto perform charging system voltage drop test
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-fo...perform-charging-system-voltage-drop-test.56/

How do I jump the starter solenoid ?

 

[wmburns]

How do I jump the starter solenoid ?

One method is to "bridge" the main terminal to the solenoid terminal with a screw driver. Obviously one should be careful not to short out the metal screw driver.

Another method is to locate the solenoid pilot duty electrical connector that is often a single round connector near the battery. Usually the wire is white with a pink stripe. Open the connector and then "bridge" 12 volts towards the starter. Best to use a fused jumper.

Make sure the transmission is in neutral/park and that the wheels are well blocked just in case the car does move.