whats up guys, I have an 04 coupe, and when I turn my key I get a single solid click. no cranking, or issues with dash lights or headlights, so im 99% sure its the starter. my question is, are autozone starters good? they offer the duralast and duralast gold, or should i hit up oreillys or pep boys? other items I wouldnt care and normally buy autozone, but for this I want a second opinion. and for just testing purposes, from what I saw I should be able to just leave the old starter on, and switch the harness to the new one to test it, without actually uninstalling yet. just want to be 100% sure the starter is the culpret before potentially busting a few knuckles, looks like a tight spot to access. thanks

 

I think you should have your battery load bank tested and the lugs/terminals all thoroughly cleaned. If it still won't crank pull the starter and have it tested. There's a lot of reasons why a starter won't pull the engine and you may simply have a lot of corrosion or maybe anpinhole in a cable that caused it to oxidize badly on the inside.

Troubleshooting!

As far as the starter goes, I typically shop around for local starter shops that will rebuild the OEM unit, you end up with an overall better component then a Chinese rebuild like from a duralast.

 

Usually electrical shops that rewind electrical motors also do automotive starters and alternators. Someone in town has a motor winding shop.

 

its not the terminals, those are checked and good. and I im almost positive its not my battery because when I purchased the car, the previous owner had put a brand new interstate battery, that was maybe less than 2 years(but since the test is free I might as well) and even so, the battery would make several clicks or try to crank, or at least start when getting a jump. I can probly test it by push starting, but if it doesnt work I wont be able to get it back up my driveway, lol.

 

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What he said!

Prior to guessing and replacing parts,

Test the specific gravity in the individual cells in your battery with a battery hydrometer as well as inspect for any corrosion on the terminals and clamps.

Your battery could have a defective cell not holding a full charge.



If you don't have the skills to do logical troubleshooting call AAA and they can test your battery and install a new one if necessary.

Telcoman