Okay, heres what happens. I put my key in the ignition, my foot on the clutch. As I turn the key to start my car, the radio and everything comes on, but as I push the key further to start the engine all I hear is, "click." It won't start. I thought it was the battery at first, so I replaced it and that wasn't the problem. It's still not starting. The only way I've got it running is by push starting it or jumping it off. A few people have suggested that the starter has gone out or the starter relay. What do you guys think?? Every time I turn the key to start the engine there is nothing. What's the problem?

 

You say it starts when you jump it off, does that mean using jumper cables from another car's battery? In that case, it seems obvious to me that it's the battery, but you said you replaced it.

Make sure the cables are tight on the terminals. I've seen it where a cable was on tight enough to not be able to move by hand, but it still wasn't tight enough. In that case, it would still power the accessories, but it wouldn't conduct enough juice to turn the starter.

Also, I had a problem where my NEW battery wasn't working because the bolt that attaches the cable to the terminal was stripped and it wouldn't get tight enough. Check that out. You can get new terminal bolts at Autozone for $2.

Plus, thoroughly clean the contact points on the battery cables. Use a file or a metal brush to clean them. (Make sure they are both disconnected.)

Sometimes the side terminals on batteries crack, and if you test the battery it will read good if you test it with the top terminals.

To rule out the battery, disconnect the battery, and use jumper cables that attach directly to the battery cables.

If that doesn't work I would look at your starter. Mabe disconnect the cable that runs into the starter and make sure it is clean.


I hope that helps.

 

if you are able to jump the car it is typically not a starter problem, as you are using the starter still to start the car, even if jumper cables are attached. Still sounds like a bad battery to me - that's my guess as is mentioned above.