Long story short, my car has been driving fine until today when i try to start it and it will not crank but makes a clicking noise. All lights, radio and everything electrical is working. I tested the battery and it shows 12.4v, tried jumping it and it just makes the same clicking sound but no crank. Tested the battery with the key on and volts drop to 8v. I dont think it would be fuel pump because wouldnt it crank even if its bad? Im havent check fuses but aiming towards starter motor. My buddy suggest taking battery out and have it tested at autozone. Im assuming the starter is at fault but before i take it out and dump money on it i would like everyones opinion first. Also anyone have a diy on how to remove the starter. Thanks in advance!

 

Sounds like is the battery.
If not then take the starter out and check it in Autozone too.

 

You first need to check the S wire to the starter. This is a smaller gauge wire that controls the solenoid/relay on the starter. If you have power there, then you should check the the output wire from the relay to the main starter motor. If you have power there and a good ground to the starter, then it is your starter.

You can also check the starter draw. The amount of amps the starter is pulling when in the crank position, you will need what is called an amp clamp and a multimeter.

You should be pulling no more than 200 amps on a cold day/cold engine. Anything more and your starter is pooched.

You can also jump the starter terminals with a screw driver other heavy gauge wire and see if it cranks (key in run position)

 

Key ON or key START drops the voltage?


If only key on drops the voltage that much - I would suspect a bad battery (dead/shorted cell).


If key start:
My money is on a seized starter based on the voltage drop.


Remove the starter and carefully use a jumper cable from the battery to spin it.


Let us know what you find.