Turn the key and there is only one click. This told me that the battery was dead or the solenoid is bad as this has happened on several other cars I've owned. but, I also hear a faint popping sound in the steering column (at least i think that is where it is coming from.) Previous owner has been through several starters in the past few years. The mechanic can't or won't find the problem. Keep in mind this mechanic has been working on this specific car for years (not that it means much) New battery as of June 2010 650cca. I have bypassed solenoid - didn't work. Tapped starter - didn't work. Car was broken into and they dug around in the steering column and screwed up some wires. Mechanic fixed that problem though.

I've read the other threads on here but can't find this specific problem. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

 

check power with a voltmeter at the starter B+ post, should have same voltage as the battery (about 12.6volts) then check while someone tries to start it. If the voltage drops to near 0 then its likely a bad battery cable or connection. Also check voltage to the small signal wire at the starter while trying to start, should have 12v there.

 

will do, thanks skirkland1980!

 

Snow finally melted so I could get underneath. Went to remove starter and found the 2 cables on solenoid were loose. After that she started right up. I can't believe that was it. However, still need to find out why she has been through so many starters.