My firebird has been sitting outside for about 2 weeks. I tried to start it up to fix some stuff and it seems I have another problem to fix. When I try to start it up it makes a clicking noise, sounds like the starter. I see the alternator move a little bit. I just replaced the starter last year. I live in North Dakota, is it just too cold? The other problems I have to fix are the radiator hoses are leaking all up in the engine and the cross member is hanging on one side could any of this contribute to my starter problem? Please Help

 

Turn your lights on. When you crank if they dim alot, your battery is low. If they don't dim at all something is up with your starter. Check your voltage first.

 

I had it hooked up to my other car and let the battery charge up a bit. Voltage looked normal.

 

If you saw the alternator turn alittle bit, the starter is engaging. Normally they don't do anything when they go bad. Was the other car running when the jumpers were connected?

 

That's right, if the alternator moves, the starter is engaging, at least somewhat. I would suspect a bad connection at either the battery or the starter. I would guess you are not getting enough voltage to the starter to turn the engine over. Clean up and check the battery connections, and when you jump the car, leave the other car running. Or better yet, charge up the battery out of the car and then try again.

 

Just clicking is when when your battery isn't tight enough or the terminals are dirty. At least on my car that is what is does.

 

My Harley did that too. I had to take the cables off and use alittle sand paper to clean up the surface. It threw sparks too. I still think it's a battery/power issue instead of a bad starter.

 

Hmm. I really don't think it is the battery or voltage. On the average it has been 25 below 0 at night. Could the oil just be too cold after sitting for two weeks?

 

What's the daytime temps at? I suppose it could be slightly frozen. Do you have a block heater for it?

 

My car did the same exact thing yesterday, I charged the battery and it fixed it, try charging it

 

It's been about 10 during the day. Was looking for the block heater cord just now, but it is damn cold trying to find that outside with a flashlight. It's funny how many times I have been under that car and never bothered to check for that!

 

I was wrong about the battery. I swapped it with one from one of my other cars. She's warming up right now. I am sorry I ever doubted the wisdom of third gen org. Thanks everyone!!

 

Seems like you've got it fixed now, but I thought I'd comment on the temperature question. I used to drive my Camaro every day two winters ago. She'd start every day, even in minus 40 degree temps, after not having been plugged in at all. These things are fine in the cold. Glad you got 'er figured out though.

 

Woot woot!!