starting problems ----- 1.6td caddy

[floyders]

Hello all,

Well I needed to come to the well on this one. I have been having intermittent starting problems with this vehicle for about a year now and now nothing seems to solve it.

background:

car was having intermittent problems starting - the glow plug relay wasn't working right and so I hard- wired the glow-plugs to a push style on-off switch to simplify glow plug system. At times I would get a crazy buzzing from a relay (not the glow pug relay - looks similar size but different connectors). When the relay buzzed, I was not able to start the car. When it didn't buzz and the starting LEDs came on, everything was fine. I finally removed this relay as it didn't seem to make a difference in whether the car would start and run or not.

After sitting for a while or bouncing around a bit I could get the buzzing to stop and the car would start normally.

Now the car has been sitting all summer in the garage and I am trying to get it going again.

I've checked power to the ignition and starter and all seems fine there.

When i turn the key to start position, power is coming from the ignition but I can't seem to get it to the post on the starter ( the post that is below the battery direct post). power is also going to the fuel pump.

When I attempt to turn the engine over, all I hear is a click (only one) and nothing happens, doesn't even attempt to turn over.

No LEDs light up when I turn the ignition switch.

Any clues or advice??? Thanks ya'll

[jtanguay]

make sure the positive going to the starter is good and clean.  they like to corrode...  also make sure that the solenoid for the starter has good connections.

*also take the positive off the battery and clean it good with a wire brush... then use a good lube to ensure it doesnt corrode.