my car just clicks

bamaboy_mark · June 16th, 2009, 01:28 PM

I recently finished a rebuild on my 75 olds 455. Everytimg I started to crank it i had to jump it off. I replaced the starter and alternator and still the same problem. My battery still reads its good. I was driving from the muffler shop yesterday and she cut off in traffic. I tried to start I only got the click. I tried to jump it off but no joy. I replaced it with a new battery and still got nothing but the click. I tapped the starter and all. My lights go dim when i try to turn it over. I'm going to test the starter today. I think my alternator might need to have more amps because its only 60 amps. Any other suggestion?

Olds64 · June 16th, 2009, 02:59 PM

You alternator doesn't make a difference for starting. At least if you haven't started the car before. Make sure your batter has a good charge and make sure your starter is in good shape. You can have them tested for free at your local auto parts store.

My442 · June 16th, 2009, 04:26 PM

Troubleshooting is now in order.

Do you know how to do a voltage drop test?

That will allow you to tect the battery cables.

Are your ground straps clean and tight?

If the battery is new, it can only be: cables, solenoid, or starter.

bamaboy_mark · June 17th, 2009, 05:15 AM

ok I got the starter tested and it was good. I replaced the positive terminal wire and gave the battery a jump and she started. Thanks for the help.

Oldsguy · June 17th, 2009, 05:39 AM

I figured it would be a battery cable, as My442 said the voltage drop would verify that. The condition you described is either a dead battery or bad cables/connectors. Clicking is a classic indicator of that.

bamaboy_mark · June 17th, 2009, 09:07 AM

I got to check all my ground cables cause I'm still pulling juice from somewhere.

Oldsguy · June 17th, 2009, 09:16 AM

That is a very good idea. Let us know what you come up with.

olds68 · June 17th, 2009, 10:54 AM

And don't over look the obvious stuff. Re-check your cable connections at both the battery and starter. I had a very similar issue a while back and found the cable connection at the starter was loose. Easy fix and easy to overlook

bamaboy_mark · June 17th, 2009, 11:26 AM

Ok I'm going to retrace from the battery back.

June 16th, 2009, 01:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
bamaboy_mark Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	my car just clicks I recently finished a rebuild on my 75 olds 455. Everytimg I started to crank it i had to jump it off. I replaced the starter and alternator and still the same problem. My battery still reads its good. I was driving from the muffler shop yesterday and she cut off in traffic. I tried to start I only got the click. I tried to jump it off but no joy. I replaced it with a new battery and still got nothing but the click. I tapped the starter and all. My lights go dim when i try to turn it over. I'm going to test the starter today. I think my alternator might need to have more amps because its only 60 amps. Any other suggestion?

June 16th, 2009, 02:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	You alternator doesn't make a difference for starting. At least if you haven't started the car before. Make sure your batter has a good charge and make sure your starter is in good shape. You can have them tested for free at your local auto parts store. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

June 17th, 2009, 05:39 AM	#5 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	I figured it would be a battery cable, as My442 said the voltage drop would verify that. The condition you described is either a dead battery or bad cables/connectors. Clicking is a classic indicator of that. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

June 17th, 2009, 09:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
Oldsguy Hot Rodder at heart Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 5,360	That is a very good idea. Let us know what you come up with. __________________ Dan '77 Cutlass Supreme '46 2 door "The rocket 455.....it's a sledgehammer approach to a thumbtack world" LuxBlue of HAMB.

June 17th, 2009, 10:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
olds68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 56	And don't over look the obvious stuff. Re-check your cable connections at both the battery and starter. I had a very similar issue a while back and found the cable connection at the starter was loose. Easy fix and easy to overlook __________________ Glen '68 Ram-Rod '69 Cutlass W-31 clone '98 Intrigue New England Olds Club host for 2010 Oldsmobile Nationals

June 16th, 2009, 04:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
My442 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 204	Troubleshooting is now in order. Do you know how to do a voltage drop test? That will allow you to tect the battery cables. Are your ground straps clean and tight? If the battery is new, it can only be: cables, solenoid, or starter.

June 17th, 2009, 05:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
bamaboy_mark Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	ok I got the starter tested and it was good. I replaced the positive terminal wire and gave the battery a jump and she started. Thanks for the help.

June 17th, 2009, 09:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
bamaboy_mark Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	I got to check all my ground cables cause I'm still pulling juice from somewhere.

June 17th, 2009, 11:26 AM	#9 (permalink)
bamaboy_mark Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	Ok I'm going to retrace from the battery back.

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