Just bought an '00 Camaro with the V6. Seller sprayed the entire engine compartment with ArmorAll to make it look good. I just hosed all that crap off and now I am getting a click (sounds like starter solenoid), but that's all.

Definitely sounds like the battery is all but dead, but checks out at 12.72 volts.

Within 3-5 seconds of pulling the key out of the ignition, I'm hearing a smaller solenoid click in the engine compartment.

I don't have the manual yet, but am very tech proficient. What's the problem with the first loud click, and what is the second softer click?

I would think this would be a pretty common problem if they are that sensitive to water intrusion. Hell, my LT1 Corvette with opti isn't that bad...!

 

first: the click after engine shut down (after 3-5 sec) from the engine compartment is normal!

Your starter clicks but is not revs - is this right?
Check your starter first!
I think your solenoid switch is froozen after flushing it with wather
maybe a bottle of WD40 helps.... spray it on the entire starter and let it act a hour or so....

hope this helps!

 

Guten Tag..!

Correct...loud starter solenoid click, but the starter did not spin. Same as with a very low battery....enough current to click the solenoid, but not enough to turn the starter motor.

What is the delayed 3-5 sec click?

 

guten Abend!

drops the voltage if you try to start the motor? If it is still 12V your battery is okay....
I know this from my old 3rd gen Firebird..... same problem: starter clicks but doesn't turn. After a WD40 treatment it runs perfect......

I dont know what the delayed click means, I accept it but I can look in my shop manual and give you a message if I found something about it.

PS: where did you learn german?

 

Something got wet... Let it sit with open hood for a while, and some WD-40 on starter will help. Other thing to observe after wash - when you get it started, observe for miss, If you'll get rough idle/misfire, pull all coils, make everything nice, dry and clean under them, put them back...

 

When you say "pull all coils", do you mean just pull out the wires at the plug and the coil and make sure everything is dry..? ..or actually unscrew the coil off the engine..?

Something is not right if the engine is that sensitive to a little water...

The hood is up and it is now drying in the hot Texas sun.

 

I just know hello, goodbye, thanks, etc.

massage - message
leran - learn (I'm guessing you know, just typing mistake)

The delayed click may be coming from the throttle body. I think this car has an electric/electronic throttle control, not the old cable that pulls the throttle open. That's my best guess so far, but it is definitely from the front of the motor.

 

Yes it is from the throttle body...... maybe to close the throttle complete or something else... If I remember right, my 3,8L Firebird from 1997 with non electronic throttle did it not....

....typing mistake.... yes and no
My english is not so good and I'm not so steady in writing english..... all help is welcome.
I know, some of my postings have a creepy grammar.... but please consider, I had english a school - 25 years ago
okay, a bad excuse is better than none

 

Your English is DAMN GOOD..! No apologies needed.

 

Checking wires is the first step, actually removing coils-second. I would highly recommend covering coils/ignition module before washing engine. Rubber seals under coils fails with time, allowing moisture to get to ignition module. I had the same problem before on '96, If I am not mistaken, coils design should be identical.

 

I think it's just a coincidence with the water, but the contacts on the starter solenoid are burned...time for a new starter.