Intermittent starter

[FredVenne]

Good day,

Lately, it happened a few times where the starter... did not start. It seems to be either a loose wire or maybe a solenoid.
When I turn the key, the ECU makes it's "clicketing" thing and when done, one more turn and just one click. It seem to be coming from one of the little black box by the ECU solenoid (if that is what it is). But starter is not turning. Only that one click. So I wait a little later and now it starts. It seems to be happening more regularly.

Battery has a good connection. Only a year old.

So what would be the best approach in term of trouble shooting this issue?

Cheers!

Fred

[Big-Bird]

Isn't there a white gang plug ( 3 or 4 wire) near the battery that is prone to corrosion and even melting which causes this problem?

L300 owners?

[Growlerbearnz]

Does your ignition key fit tightly? Sounds mad, I know, but mine sometimes falls out a little and fails to engage the starter part of the switch- but still makes a click from under the seat as it temporarily turns off the glowplugs (which is normal behaviour). Try pushing the key in as you turn.

Failing that, I'd start with Big BIrd's suggestion- unplug, clean up, and plug in again all the connectors above the battery, clean up the battery terminals, check the earth strap to the engine and connections to the starter.

If you have an oil leak the starter can get a bit oily and dirty, and the dirt can interfere with the connections, so maybe wash the starter off with degreaser before cleaning its connections.

[Lapprentis]

Had an identical problem but with my Nissan Frontier Happend to be a wire (ground ?) that had began to loosen right at the starter...My mechanic tighten the screw and Voila Hope that help Would look behing the battery as Big-Bird suggested: when I did unplug ALL the connectors I can find-access on my Van to put dielectric grease, the only one showing verdigris-corrosion was a small connector in that area...

Lapprentis

[rouxel]

I have this exact problem right now. Seems like it happens mostly when the engine is hot. Always starts the first time but if I drive to gas station or whatever and turn it off then try and start it again I only get the clicking. I usually have to wait till it cools down a bit before it decides to turn over. Doesn't happen every time tho, it seems completely random. Maybe won't restart when warm 1 in every 5 times I try and start it after the engine is hot.

I think the problem lies with my glow plug over ride switch. Seems like it gets bunged up every once in a while where I have to press it repeatedly till I hear a rapid clicking sounds and it seems like it resets itself and then the switch works again.

Travis