81 550xj maxim wont start

fully charged battery, just clicks when i try to start it? someone please help i would like to get one more nice ride in before its to cold!

 

Start by jumpering across the two big terminals on the solenoid. If the motor spins, then you've got a problem with the switch, the solenoid, or the associated wiring. (Jumping across those terminals bypasses the solenoid.)

 

On the starter solenoid?

 

Yes. But it's not part of the starter itself. It's located under your right side cover and has a rubber boot (or should) follow the big positive lead off the battery. It should be just to the rear of the battery.

 

Still does one click when I try to start it

 

You took a pair of pliers or a big screwdriver and jumpered across the two big terminals on the solenoid and something went "click?"

What clicked?

 

I'd also give a quick clean to the battery terminals if it's not the solenoid

 

My bet is that your battery is not as good as you think it is. Time for another. Been there enough times, even with a brand new one that was no good once.

Dave F

 

Whenever I press the starter button it clicks once and that's it.

 

And what happens when you turn the key on and make contact running a screwdriver across the two terminals on the starter solenoid like big fitz suggests? You won't need to push the start button at all doing this.

 

battery or grounding comes to mind

 

Have you done this yet? What happened?

 

Just tried it and nothing happened

 

OK, switch on; jumpered the big terminals on the solenoid and nothing happened?

Jumpering those two big terminals sends power directly from the battery to the starter. If nothing happened, then you've got a basic wiring issue of some sort involving the battery leads; possibly a ground problem.

You're going to need a book, and a multimeter. Something very basic is wrong.

 

starter is locked up thanks guys!