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'88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

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Old 01-22-2008, 05:06 PM
  #1  
Teknisult
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Default '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

My son has a '88 2.3L with a new Starter, Selonoid & Battery to try to resolve this starting issue. Most of the time is starts normally, however, often is only clicks when the key is turned to start. Sometimes it will kick in and start after several attempts, however reciently it only clicks and not start at all.

Any ideas?
Thanks, Maurice
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Old 01-22-2008, 05:42 PM
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Boost Gobbler
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

if it where me id check over the ground connections, could simply be a corroded or loose ground.
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Old 01-22-2008, 06:28 PM
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sleeper_inc
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

A bad connection or bad cable will cause this
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Old 01-22-2008, 07:17 PM
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ExtrmZ
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

yeah i agree with these guys, check your cables and connections.
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Old 01-23-2008, 12:33 PM
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hellion_79
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

jump the solonoid and bypass the ignition switch.

might just be a weak connection thru the switch. it might need to be replaced (under $10)


but then again like these guys said, it could be a bad ground cable or is not a solid connection. check those
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Old 01-23-2008, 09:34 PM
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damoney69
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

maybe no fuel delivery......plugged filter? maybe pump is gone?
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Old 01-23-2008, 09:38 PM
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bacon57
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

If it doesn't crank than the problem is electrical, if there was no fuel delivery it should still crank but not start
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Old 01-23-2008, 09:42 PM
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924banger
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

Look at the cable connected to the starter. Mine does this all the time.My cablehas the littleslip-on styleand eventually wiggles lose. When that happens I pop the hood reach down and wiggle the connector and it starts right up.
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Old 01-24-2008, 07:58 PM
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Mthd11
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Default RE: '88 2.3L Won't start each time, only clicks

Definatly check your grounds, i had an issue like that, it was a rusted wire that was underneath the PS pump, i cant remember if that was where the - battery wire grounded to, but its working fine for me. I put a 4 gauge gold plated fitting on the end . Also are the battery terminals good and tight?
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