Strange starting issue
 

About two weeks ago, my starter died. Basically I left my lights on and stupidly tried to jump it with a half-dead jump box one too many times, though it sounded like it was on its way out for quite some time.

Anyway, I replaced it, new one worked fine, until yesterday after work. Now when you try to start the car, it just gives a fairly loud click, but does not turn. The battery is brand new, as are the screw terminals, which are on good and tight.

Here's where it gets weird. So, there's three terminal screws on the solenoid. One hooks directly to the battery and the alternator, one to the ignition system, and a third that simply connects the solenoid to the starter motor itself. By bridging the battery connection to the third terminal screw I mentioned, it rotates, and with help I was able to get the car started turning the ignition while briefly bridging said connection and get home, but it still refuses to start the standard way, and obviously this isn't really a long-term solution.

If I'm not mistaken, this would rule out wiring or grounding issues in my car, and point to the solenoid. However, the starter tested fine at Advance Auto Parts (removed from the vehicle). Any thoughts?

I should mention it's a 95 SL2.

The loud click is the solenoid actuating, but there's no current being passed on to the starter motor internally. Remove the starter, and take it back where you got it, and get a replacement

+1........

Took it back to the shop. Apparently it wasn't the solenoid at all, somehow the motor was "overloaded." The cables felt loose when I went to take it out the first time, I'm guessing that has something to do with it, maybe they ended up wiggling into each other. Warranty replaced it, installed new one making sure the cables were good and tight this time around. Thanks guys.

motor overload would have blown a fuse no?

too much current...not enough current....whatever

glad you're one the road

--should have--