Starting motor problem
99 tl, 198,000 miles
1st time tried and failed starting -no click nothing.(park and neutral positions)
Have not had any alternator or charging system problems
Checked headlights and they looked strong.
Called AAA
He cleaned battery terminals which were badly corroded and then jumpered; would still not start- no click nothing.

Guy fiddled with wires near starting motor terminals and eventually got it started.His explanation had something to do with wire to solenoid but was not clear to me.


Battery was fine according to his testing .

Do you think it was start solenoid or wire to solenoid or what?

What tests can I make before I bring it to a mechanic?

I very much appreciate your help here.

 

Probably failed ignition switch. Happens on 99s often.

 

Agree. Him fiddling with stuff was probably just a coincidence. 99 are known for ignition switch failure.

 

At that age and mileage it could easily be a starter or the ground cable, where it's bare and corrodes near the transmission. I agree about the problematic ignition switch, but I've never seen one fail to crank; just crank and stall as soon as the key is released, or quit while driving.

 

Thanks for the response.
Update
Now it starts normally once and I get a strong cranking, but after I turn it off,and attempt to restart, I get a click.
Checked the voltage to the solenoid start wire at the solenoid while my wife turned key. Got 12 Volts there while the clicking was going on so it looks like a bad solenoid at least. Agree?

Looking for a decent aftermarket starter that doesn't cost an arm an a leg.
Any recommendations.

 

Check ignition switch before you throw a starter at the thing.

 

The ignition switch is sending the 12 volts (which I measured using a meter) to the solenoid which indicates that that is not the problem. The clicking I think is the solenoid hanging up , so I am led to believe I need at least a new solenoid, probably a starter since they are integrated. Please correct me if I am wrong.

Thank you again.

 

If you've got 12v at the small wire on the starter [with it still connected], you are correct in that the ignition switch is not the problem at this time. If it's still not cranking, you can try one more test. Scrape the paint on the starter housing, and touch the positive lead of your voltmeter to that spot. Have someone try to crank it. If you are reading 12v, you've got a ground problem. If not, you need a starter. I've had good luck with Bosch or Denso. Check the dealer. Sometimes they are competitive on remans. I think Denso even has new ones that aren't too bad pricewise.

 

Make sure that all of the wiring connections are good, especially the grounds,

 

TLer trash,
Did one further test
ran an ammeter between the bat + and the small terminal which closed the circuit , got the click and read well in excess of 10 amps which I think proves the solenoid was stuck.
After striking the solenoid housing it freed up and cranked strongl; the draw was about 4 amps.I now think there is no doubt about the failed solenoid.
Coincidentally ,I had bought a new Bosch online just before I read your post and was happy to see that you recommended it.
I am very thankful to you and the others who helped me with this.