1999 21i Starter Failure???

[Jloflin420]

I have a 99 2100i, when I turn the key over the pump engages and beeps as normal to let me know ready to fire. When I turn the key all the way to crank the motor all I get is a click sound. It started doing this near the end of the season and if I would try a few times it would eventually crank. Almost seems as if the starter is seized up but I am no mechanic. Can someone please tell me if this is the starter or what else it may be and also how to fix it please.

[wired1236]

It could be a few things like the starter solenoid, the relay, or maybe your ignition switch but I had the exact same symptoms and just replaced the starter. For $150, it fixed my problem. It's very easy to replace.

[Ruger761]

Sounds like a solenoid going bad. You can rebuild/replace the solenoid but most of the time on a GM style motor its easier and cheaper to replace the starter which comes with the new solenoid. On Ford styles the solenoids were always seperate from the starters and were easy to replace. You can pull the starter off and have it tested at any auto parts store and some can order you a marine starter but you will probably have to go to your local marine store to get it or order it off the internet.

http://www.perfprotech.com/mercruise...-parts-catalog

[laserfish]

It could also be the relay on the top of the engine. I have had the same symptoms and it is a cheap and easy fix. Have someone else work the ignition switch while you listen. Should be easy to track down where the click is coming from. Good luck.

[chpthril]

The fact that is clicks indicates its got B+ and ground. The failure to engage and spin the engine could be due to a bad started (can be rebuilt I bet) or low voltage. The low voltage could be cause by a bad battery or corroded connection/cable.

If you can, I would start with a volt meter at the main starter cable post and then work back to the battery as needed. A voltage drop test on that main cable is the best. If everything looks good there, the starter can be pulled and tested off the engine. If its the starter, if should act poorly on a bench test also.