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I am having some trouble with my car and unfortunately I don't know much about cars(even though I should) and that is why I am coming to my fellow mx-3 drivers for some help. Now, according to what you guys told me on my last post- I hooked my battery up right, however the car still does not work. The only thing that works is the clicking noise. And also you must keep in mind that the battery being dead is CERTAINLY not the problem because I got it charged before I turned it in. ANd the radio and the lights work just fine after I installed it.<BR> What I think the problem is, is either the starter or a bad terminal connector, because the terminal connector(the one that connects to the negative side) is lose when it is on the terminal and you can physically move it with your hand ( now I dont know if that is a problem but it seems like a potenial one if you ask me. )I mean is it really important that the terminal connector is on really tight?(because mine wont go any tighter and it still wiggles but the other is on VERY tight) So, is that the problem? and how much does a new starter cost? HOw much does a new terminal cost? keep in mind that I doubt I could install them myself. THANKS A MILLION! YOU GUYS ARE SAVING A LOT OF GRIEF AND HEARTACHE!!!!!!!

i'v never had to replace a starter so can't help yopu there but you can buy new heavy duty terminal conectors for like three bucks at any place that sells car batteries. they are alot better than the dinky stock ones. My sock ones bent and where getting ready to break off when i changed mine.

You're right - the clamp should be tight on the battery terminal. I don't really think that's your problem, though. I've started my car with the terminals loose (for testing purposes) - You wouldn't want to keep it that way, though. <BR>Use a voltmeter to see if you're even getting voltage at the starter when you turn the key to start. If so, you know it's the starter. If not, you'll need to track down what's keeping it from getting power (clutch safety switch/neutral safety switch, etc).<BR>If it turns out that the starter is bad, it would probably be more cost effective to have it rebuilt rather than replaced (or take your chances with a salvaged unit) I would guess a rebuild would cost US$70-80 and should include a good long warranty. (Price is a guess - never had one re-built before, but I got my alternator done for that and a starter shouldn't be much more)

Have you check the voltage at the battery terminals? It should be around 13.8v for a health charged battery, off load, eg: when it's not doing any work. If your battery reads less than this off load, then it's probably flat. Take it out and put it on charge for a few hours. Do remember car batteries do present safety hazards. Remove the negative lead first, and when re-installing put the negative lead on last.<BR>Charge in a well ventilated area. If after charging it goes flat again quickly. It probably needs replacing, but you'd check it was being charged in whislt in the car first...

Maybe your alternator....i don't think your starter would click if it was broken. Is it a 5-speed? If it is, push the car and when u get fast enough to be in 2nd gear, put the clutch down and start it up<P>------------------<BR>~'94 GS

Hello again, I just came acrost a real discovery today. I was try everything to get my car running again, everytime i ran the battery dead it didn't click when i tryed to start it. BUT when i was checking the fuses under the hood I disconcted the fuse that was for the fuel pump (the all black one with just #s on it) and I tryed to start it and all it did was click. It started up with no problem after i reconnected it. Hope that helps.<P>------------------<BR>Thanks,<BR>Teri<BR>'93 MX-3 SE

Sorry to let you know but it seems to me it's your distributor that is dead. A few months ago, my cd player was stolen from my baby and they messed up the wire harness, which killed the distributor. My car was doing exactly the same thing than yours (clicking, radio and accessories were working, but no start.). The problem is that only the dealership have the computer to tell you if ot's the distributor and it will cost you around $400 to fix it (U.S dollars).<P><P>------------------<BR>Frenchguy0<BR>'92 GS Emerald Green<BR>crenia@hotmail.com