I have just replaced the starter in my '76 280z after the solenoid went out(solenoid was going out for about the last year). Replaced the whole starter as well as the battery. Went to turn the key and nothing, just a click from under the passanger side kick panel( i'm assuming thats the starter relay). Decided to replace the + and - battery cables as well. Still just get the click! Running out of ideas! Someone help with my next step! I have located the general area of the starter relay by feeling where the click comes from when someone turns the key. What do I do now?

Edited July 5, 200915 yr by quistal
new info

Automatic or manual? Sounds like a starter interlock. If it's an auto, make sure it's in P or N. Did you reconnect the small wire that goes to the terminal on the solenoid?

Assuming everything is connected as it should be, the next thing I would check is the new starter/solenoid.

Wouldn't be the first time that a "new" part was faulty.

Is the signal getting from the starter relay to your starter?

You are certain the 'new' battery is good? It is not uncommon for batteries to sit on the shelf for a long time and lose their charge

Your starter should have the positive and ground cables from the battery as well as another for the solenoid signal. All of the connections, I am assuming as everything is new, are clean?

You can bench test your starter or test it on the car by jumping 12 volts to the solenoid signal. Please be careful doing this, make sure the car is not in gear, it's probably a good idea to disconnect the coil wire to be safe as well. I have a bump start tool that makes this easy

Not sure if this insight would help, but I had problems on Hot days with my 240z not starting. The soleniod would not engage. After many upgrades such as 60amp alternator (to keep the battery fully charged), new cables, cleaned the grounds, new starter and soleniod - I finally installed a Starter Relay kit. This allowed my ignition switch to use low voltage/amperage - and assure 12v and up to 15amps went directly to the the soleniod. Cured my "clicking" noise when trying to start on hot days (85+ degrees).

Here's my posting from last month.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34668

Hope this helps ... good luck.

Edited July 7, 200915 yr by moritz55

It is a manual. Since I left this Thread I have jumped the solinoid and it cranked. I have also tested the ignition wire and have got nothing when someone is turning the key?

You may have to install a Starter Button if your Starter Ignition switch is bad? Before I'd go there - try to use a Starter Relay type circuit. Eitherway it's reduces the required amperage that goes through your Ignition Switch and may make your switch usable.

If that doesn't work - run from the Starter Relay circuit - 2 wires to a small low voltage starter button placed somewhere under dash. You would use this for only Starting the car bypassing your ignition switch.

Hope this helps...