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Firstly, many vehicles are fitted with a starter relay and that might be what you hear clicking.
The starter motor is a coaxial pre-engaged type (the commonest type in use these days) so the solenoid is in assembly with the starter motor.
The solenoid pulls the starter gear into mesh with the flywheel teeth and then switches on the power to it.
The solenoid has two windings with a common supply that when energised act as a magnet. One high current winding is grounded through the windings of the starter motor and it's function is to move the starter gear consuming enough current to cause the motor to turn slowly as it does so and then switch on the full current to the starter.
The second winding is internally grounded and is only powerful enough to hold the starter in engagement.
When the starter (not the relay if fitted) just clicks, even when the solenoid is energised manually, assuming the battery, leads and connections are ok, it usually means the motor brush gear is defective. Few people today repair starter motors (a great shame) so replacement is the commonest option.
Yes, it is possible for the starter to spin without the solenoid engaging. The solenoid pushes the spring loaded gear forward to engage the flywheel.
You need to crawl back under your vehicle and ensure you've properly attached all wires. It should look similar to this:
If these wires are properly attached, then check for power and/or damage to wires. The secondary will only energize when the ignition switch is engaged, so you'll need help (test when not attached to starter).
There are contact points in the starter solenoid that give power to the starter motor. You are hearing the solenoid click as the startergear is shifted into the flywheel but then no power is making it to the starter motor.
Most starter relays are part of the starter motor assembly.
Also known as the solenoid.
(This way it serves 3 purposes.
1. The Relay section uses solid copper Contacts for Less volt drop at the high current that a starter motor draws.
2. The Solenoid section is the Mechanical Plunger that engages the cog to flywheel.
3. The Motor spins because the copper contacts are a super connection supplying 100+ Amps)
Does the battery go direct to the Starter Mptor?
Is there a small wire next to where the Battery connects?
If so then this is the relay activation wire (12v to pull relay in)
Happy Starting
External Relay Basics
Same but bigger for Starter Motors RELAY BASICS
Most starter relays are part of the starter motor assembly.
Also known as the solenoid.
(This way it serves 3 purposes.
1. The Relay section uses solid copper Contacts for Less volt drop at the high current that a starter motor draws.
2. The Solenoid section is the Mechanical Plunger that engages the cog to flywheel.
3. The Motor spins because the copper contacts are a super connection supplying 100+ Amps)
Does the battery go direct to the Starter Mptor?
Is there a small wire next to where the Battery connects?
If so then this is the relay activation wire (12v to pull relay in)
Happy Starting
External Relay Basics
Same but bigger for Starter Motors RELAY BASICS
The solenoid located on the starter most likely has a wire either not connected,or open or the solenoid itself is bad(Check the wiring with known good pictures of the assembly and then use an inspection mirror to check that the wiring is securely mounted and then go from there(starter draw tests,jumper wire the solenoid itself)Its seems to be that the poles in the relaying mechanism in the solenoid aren't drawing the starter bendix in order for the spinning motor to engage the ring gear itself,thus you only hear the motor whirring but no magic,Jason...
Typically, when you hear a clicking sound, it indicates that the starter solenoid is bad.
A starter solenoid (or starter relay) is the part of an automobile which relays a large electric current to the starter motor, which in turn sets the engine in motion. In many vehicles the solenoid also engages the starter pinion with the ring gear of the engine.
Does the starting solenoid engages? This is would sound like a deep clunk on your starter. When the solenoid engages it close the contact that energize the starter motor, but a worn contact on the solenoid would result in it engaging but not having enough current to turn the engine resulting in a clunking noise when you try to start.
The starter solenoid gets its 12 volt from a relay. This is referred to as the starter relay. If you try to crank, and you hear only a click but the starter do not turn, then the contacts on the relay maybe worn.
To sum it up, if you hear a loud clunk when it dont crank, its the starter solenoid. If you hear just a click but no crank, it could be the starter relay.
The click you hear is the starter relay. Check for continuity thru relay with battery negative cable disconnected and switch in start position. If no continuity, it probably has burned contacts. Sometimes these can be taken apart and contacts filed/sanded cleaned.
If these wires are properly attached, then check for power and/or damage to wires. The secondary will only energize when the ignition switch is engaged, so you'll need help (test when not attached to starter).
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