Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Starter just click sometimes

TCJ

New Member
Original poster
Joined
May 24, 2024
Messages
19
Location
Ellensburg
1999 Wrangler TJ. About every 5th or 6th time i try to start my TJ the solenoid just clicks. I fiddle with the key in the switch for about a minute and it starts. Any Ideas why it does this?
 
Sounds like a connection issue- might be the switch but I’d start with the battery terminals and grounds -
 
  • Like
Reactions: tr21triton
When it clicks try jumping the big and small wire on the starter and see if it starts

My guess is the solenoid and Bendix is going out.

Smacking the starter might also fix it temporarily.

-Mac
 
Ditto what Mac said I lean towards starter with a twist…, if it clicks every time you twist the key to start-your hearing the solenoid try to activate- however the brushes on the starter motor my have landed on a “dead” spot in the motor windings. the repeated attempts to click the starter is getting that motor twerking😂 and moving a small amount until it reaches a good contact point. And the of course does what starter do… might be time for a new one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: macleanflood
Thanks for the ideas guys. I removed the clam shell around the steering column. Well...I took the two screws holding it in place out and spread the clam shell halves well enough to get to the harness and see the ignition switch. I wiggled the three connections on the harness good but couldn't see how to do much inspection on the ignition switch. When I put it back together the clam shell halves fit together much better than what it was before I started. Maybe that had something to do with the problem. Anyhow, I'll try it and see how it goes now.
 
Ditto what Mac said I lean towards starter with a twist…, if it clicks every time you twist the key to start-your hearing the solenoid try to activate- however the brushes on the starter motor my have landed on a “dead” spot in the motor windings. the repeated attempts to click the starter is getting that motor twerking😂 and moving a small amount until it reaches a good contact point. And the of course does what starter do… might be time for a new one.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts