Mazda Repair: mazda mpv no crank, mazda mpv, solonoid

Question
QUESTION: my 1998 mpv will not start ..it doesnt crank it just clicks ...sounds like its coming from the glove bx ....

I found this tip below online and I tried it ..the headlights dont dim

The battery is new and strong ...does this mean its not the starter ?

PS the timing chain was recently replaced

thank you
Andrea


Thank you



3) If the headlights do work and you still have a no-crank problem then turn the headlights on and turn the key to start position and see if the headlights dim. If the lights don't dim then you have a solenoid, wiring, or relay problem. .....Check for 12 volts and a good ground at each one of these components to narrow down the problem.

If the headlights do dim you most likely have a weak battery and possibly a starter or solenoid problem as they are trying to work.

ANSWER: sounds more like a starter problem have it tested and go from there you can bench test it by supplying direct power and ground to the solenoid


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I had a van that had a bad starter before and sometimes it would start and sometimes it wouldnt when it wouldnt if you hit it with a hammer it would start

I tried the hammer on this one ...nothing

The other van didnt make clicking sounds when it wouldnt start this one clicks somewhere over by the glove box

The lights do not dim what so ever....

I know I'll have to replace the starter if the solonid is the problem but Id hate to replace it if its wiring or a relay .....The previous owner told me they had the starter relay replaced not long ago and the last time it was running I gave someone a jump start ...my van hasnt started since not even with a jump start ...could you please tell me how to check the solonoid the relay and the wiring ...also is there any chance its a trannmission range switch

thankls
andrea

Answer
it's accucally a bad idea to hit any starter with a hammer because you may crack the magnets inside it that surround the armator so next time don't do it thats a back yard mechanic way of testing things and as you noticed it doesn't aways work.  

as i said you'll have to remove the starter and bench test it and go from there as for the noise from your glove box i'm not to sure unless you have a fuse panel in there or very close to it.