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Message: <blockquote data-quote="94kingcbra" data-source="post: 566817" data-attributes="member: 9140">Well diagnosing a crank but no start problem can be a long and frustrating task. I gave him the basics to go off of. Replacing the starter may fix the problem, but how will he know if it really needed it? If you really think it's the starter then pull it out, take it to autozone and have it bench tested. By replacing the cheap stuff first, you can eliminate those factors that may have been an issue. Tapping on the starter is only good to free a solenoid that is stuck open. When it is closed, the solenoid is being held by a magnetic field, which recieves its power from the ignition switch. As the solenoid is pulled in by this magnetic field, a lever attatched to a plunger in the solenoid, pushes out on a over running clutch with a gear that engages the flywheel. At the same time, the starter motor is spinning this gear. Once you release the key and open the circuit, the magnetic field in the solenoid collapses and returns to its normally open position. So, if you hear the clicking you either have a bad ground, or bad wire from the ignition switch to the starter. Replacing the cables is just good practice to ensure all of the other electrical circuits in your car are receiving sufficient power to run properly. I bet you probably finished reading this by now, but, if you have any more questions let me know. Justin</blockquote>