Hi,

This morning my car won't start. It is a low mileage 240-1991 automatic.
I can hear the solonoid clicking(or is it a relay?) but the starter will not turn. It is -18°C (0°F) outside.

It was running well yesterday so this is not something that developped slowly after not using the car for a while.

I did try moving the stick shift from park to neutral with no effect. I put the dome light on while starting and it keeps strong; I conclude that it is not a weak accumulator problem.

Where else do you suggest I look or try in this artic climate?

Thanks everyone.

I would first check for any obviously loose connections or corrosion on the battery and cables.

Pull the battery cables off the battery, clean the post, and inside the cable ends.

I also use a volt ohm to do a resistance check on the cables.

Dont forget to check where it connects to the starter. Also check where the ground wire connects to the frame. You'd be surprised what a little corrosion can do.

If that doesnt fix it, take and have the battery and charging system checked.

Lawrence

well, my '88 with only 157K just did something similar the yesterday...it wouldn't even turn at all, i actually did hear a click once so i thought it may be a relay, but I checked the neutral safety switch and reset it, still not turn. I then remembered the 25amp fuse on the driver side near the headlight relay. pulled it out and cleaned the contacts. started right up. it was arctic last night, probably about the same (-1 degrees F)here in mpls, when I did it too.


Just pull out the fuse very carefully with a good pliers, or else it will fall down underneath the battery and is a bi@%h to get out then, especially when its freezing cold!
Just a thought,
Chuck