hi i have a vx ss 6 speed manual that i just bought a few months ago now when i try to start the car it give a click sound (just one and wont start) its done it here and there before but today was bad it started on the 8th attempt. is it the starter motor ? the last owner told me it had a new battery i it and im not having any problems with power also could it be the key ? (battery in key going flat maybe) im thinking its the key or the starter motor ?? they key dont seem that old buttons are still in good condition (no wear and tear to be seen)
yeh the lights come on when the key is turned inside and out i started the car in diagnostics mode / police mode to see the voltage meter and it said c4 and counted up and down from there but the c was always there the car wouldn't start. i put it in 3rd gear then natural and it started (dont know if that has anything to do with it. doesn't always work when i do that ) car is manual) any ideas ?
throw a multimeter on DC accross the battery, if voltage is less then 12.8v then ur battery is ####ed. Battery terminals tight? no corrosion or **** on them preventing them from making good contact with the battery? Could be the starter motor or possibly a dodgy power wire to the starter etc
i tested battery with multimeter ts 12.8 so the battery's fine may be a cable somewhere or starter motor
get a mate, throw the multimeter on the starter motor and crank the car over in neutral obviously and see if the starter is getting power. That will rule out wiring and lock it down to either starter being rooted or a possible immobilizer issue. I'd also check that the battery in ur key has over 2.7v (gonna have to break it open and reglue it shut) someone might have just replaced the buttons on it or try using a spare key if you got it. Also check the ring around the ignition barrel and make sure its not covered in crap or bent inwards and its plugged in properly and not loose.
Terminals, check that the main wires for terminals are not covered in crap, and are connected to the terminals properly, if in doubt buy two fresh terminals (less than $10.00) and cut the wires back and connect the fresh copper to the new terminals and C how you go.
My bet would be starter motor. They are pretty common around this age. Both my VX SS and my missus's VU SS had them go late last year. Picked up new ones for $99ea from a place in Melb called Trump Electrical Services (They sell via ebay as well). Both our cars did the same as yours did (lights come on but wont start and makes 1 click), next time it does it give your starter motor a swift bang with a metal bar or something, if it then starts then its very likely thats your problem.
Had the same problem. Changed battery and starter. Was loose terminals Previous owner also had receipts for a couple of battery changes not long before I bought the car lol.
