Clicking Starter

[Otter]

I just uncovered my vette after 6 weeks(I don't drive it in the winter) and when I tried to start it, all I got was the starter clicking. Any ideas?? Replace the starter? Solenoid? A neighbor said to heat the starter up with a hairdryer to loosen it up, this sound logical? Any ideas/help are appreciated, thx

 

[Edmond]

First thing you should do is clean off all the contacts on the starter and also the battery to make sure there is no crud or anything like that on them. Make sure the battery has a full charge.

Usually, one click means the starter is at fault. Multiple clicks means the battery is at fault.

 

[74bigblock]

You got a very dead battery. Hook up jumpers and let it charge on the other vehicle a few min, then try starting it. You should get the battery tested either way if you get her going or not.

 

[tnovot]

You got a very dead battery. Hook up jumpers and let it charge on the other vehicle a few min, then try starting it. You should get the battery tested either way if you get her going or not.

I would suggest using a battery charger to test and/or charge your battery. Jumping the battery with another vehicle could provide a voltage spike which could damage your digital dash.

 

[Otter]

Thanks, all...I pulled the battery and charged it up, that fixed it. Bit of an overreaction by me cuz the battery was just replaced in November and I just found it hard to believe it was the battery. Thanks for the responses.

 

[Edmond]

Thanks, all...I pulled the battery and charged it up, that fixed it. Bit of an overreaction by me cuz the battery was just replaced in November and I just found it hard to believe it was the battery. Thanks for the responses.

It's actually not that far fetched because the car sat for 6 weeks. Even though it didn't run, the electronics still took power away. And because it didn't run, the alternator could not recharge the battery.

Make sure that you charge the battery with a battery charger. If you let the alternator charge it back up, you could cut the life of your alternator short. And C4 alternators aren't that great to begin with.

 

[Otter]

Make sure that you charge the battery with a battery charger. If you let the alternator charge it back up, you could cut the life of your alternator short. And C4 alternators aren't that great to begin with.

Gotcha, thanks again

 

[kiwi vet]

Thanks, all...I pulled the battery and charged it up, that fixed it. Bit of an overreaction by me cuz the battery was just replaced in November and I just found it hard to believe it was the battery. Thanks for the responses.

Hey otter
Dunno if this helps, but you can get small trickle charger (cigarette packet sized) which you leave connected to the battery/mains when in storage that cost about NZ$30 - $40. Probably cheaper there.
We have one on these on the L81 and all thats required is to unplug prior to use (otherwise speed is somewhat inhibited) and battery is fully charged when you need it, and also doesnt deteriorate through lack of use, with resulting electrolysis
Cheaper than new batteries, and ready when you need it.
Just my $0.02 worth
Grant

 

[Louis Bartay]

My 96 LT4 was doing the same thing and I chared the battery cleaned all the wires only find out the starter solenoid is going bad, and I had the 140 amp alternator and battery checked. The LT4 started is the redction gear type and $240.00( with a employee discount) at the GM dealer and $135.00 to have a local shop that the Corvette shop reccomends, oh well after 71,000 miles I am lucky.