A technician is diagnosing a vehicle with an intermittent 'no-crank' condition. When the ignition key is turned to the 'START' position, the technician hears a single click from the starter solenoid, but the engine does not crank. Battery voltage is confirmed to be 12.6V and connections are clean and tight. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
- AA faulty ignition switch.
- BWorn or burned starter solenoid contacts.
- CAn open circuit in the starter motor's field windings.
- DA low voltage signal to the starter solenoid.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Worn or burned starter solenoid contacts.
A single click from the starter solenoid indicates that the solenoid coil is receiving power and engaging. However, if the engine does not crank, it suggests that the high-current contacts within the solenoid itself (which connect battery power directly to the starter motor) are not making a good connection, often due to wear or burning. This prevents power from reaching the starter motor windings.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A faulty ignition switch would likely prevent the solenoid from clicking at all.
- C. An open circuit in the field windings would prevent the motor from spinning, but the click indicates the solenoid is trying to pass power.
- D. A low voltage signal would either prevent the solenoid from clicking or result in a weak, multiple-click sound, not a single firm click followed by no crank.
Starter Solenoid Click, No Crank
A diagnostic symptom where the starter solenoid audibly engages (clicks) but the starter motor does not turn the engine, indicating a problem with the high-current path through the solenoid or the motor itself.
- Solenoid coil is receiving power and activating the plunger.
- High-current contacts inside the solenoid are likely worn or corroded.
- Alternatively, a seized starter motor or internal open circuit could be the cause.
Memory trick: The solenoid clicks, but the power's stuck, the contacts are burned, or the motor's struck.