ok i have a 3.1 V6 firebird and the old start was clicking and not turning so i got a rebuilt one about 3 weeks later it did the same thing but i have to play with it to start now i went to GM order a brand new one and now this on is doing the same but it we start after the frist 2 trys.

now it just clicks once and thats it this just stated happening out of no where and idk why is it a relay or a ground problem?

 

If all the starters emit a clicking/clanking noise when you turn the key, it sounds like the bendix is hitting the flywheel and not engaging the teeth. The starter would need to be shimmed (not a big job).
You can verify this by removing the inspection plate on the flywheel/flexplate and watching the starter bendix as somebody tries to engage the starter. If you see the bendix come out and hit the flywheel without engaging the teeth, that's your problem.

Let us know what you find.
Lou

 

Dying battery can also make that happen

 

i think you on to something there because it only does it at like once in a while, and the battery too because it's about 2 years old now