Hi everyone. I have a 1995 Mitsubishi Montero, and I'm having trouble with starting it. I recently (this week) changed the battery out, so it's not the battery. Whenever I turn the key, the radio lights and gauges power on, but the car won't start. Instead, all it does is make a clicking noise. It also makes an electrical humming noise a little bit. Someone told that it might be the starter or the solenoid. Does anyone have any idea if that's what it could be? Thanks for any help.

 

Can you tell where the clicking is coming from? Is it from the engine compartment or around the steering column? I've had problems with the ignition switch not making good contact and sort of buzzing/clicking when trying to start. Easy to replace.

If the noise is coming from the engine compartment then either the solenoid/starter is suspect or they are not getting enough current. Follow the ground leads from the battery and make sure they are tight.

Ron

 

chances are, it is the starter solenoid. replace it or hit it with a hammer until you do. there is a carbon build up on the brushes, this will loosen it. the hum is the fuel pump priming the injectors

 

Is it difficult to replace the solenoid? If no, do you replace the whole starter or just the solenoid?

 

you USUALLY have to replace the whole unit. check auto-electric shops. my 94 ram wasn't too difficult. i don't have a montero. i was going to buy one but it fell through. i want one so bad. goodluc

 

Thanks for all of your help everyone. I ended up banging on the solenoid after not being able to get the bolts holding the starter in to budge. Good news -- it's now starting. Any idea on how long this fix will work? I'm assuming that it would be wise to replace the starter anyway, but I'd like to save up for it. Do I have a month or two to do that?

 

thats what i suggested. it will last awhile but you will have to bang on it every couple days, i cant remember how long mine lasted, a couple weeks before i could afford it.


good luck

 

oh yeah,

spray a good amount of WD-40 on the bolts, let it sit 30-60 min, then use a long ratchet or put a pipe on the end of yours. now, trust me, it'll work.

good luck