sometimes when I go to start my car i hear one click(aside from the relays) and it doesn't start. also the rear defroster light comes on while trying to start. I checked the battery cables and wires to the starter and cleaned the connections with electronic contact cleaner. but then some time the car starts normal. WTF!

-battery and alt were tested good
-stock 87 tII except RB turbo back exhaust

 

How old is your starter?

Is the problem getting progressively worse over time?

 

If its not the starter than definately check the terminal connections on the battery again. Make sure they are clean and tight. Mine would do that from time to time, it was very aggrivating. It finally stopped when I scrubbed the hell out of the insides with a wire brush and tightened the crap out of the terminals. If all else fails, put a nail through the connector into the terminal

 

I had a similiar problem after pulling the starter, putting it in a vise, and cranking it about 50 times I decided it was OK. When I was re-installing it I noticed the push on connector to the starter solenoid was loose. I cut it off and replaced it with a standard blue crimp type push on lug. It hasn't missed a beat since then. I would give it a try, it's real easy. The connector is on top of the solenoid so you might have to feel for it. It's a grey ceramic looking thing.

 

I just had that problem. The starter interlock switch by the CPU and fuse box could be bad. I just took mine off and jumpered the connector with heavy guage wire. Hopefully, this helps out....

 

-starter is probably original
-yes, it's getting worse
-what about the defroster light coming on when i try to start

 

im still having this problem
-new starter
-checked wiring and grounds
-starter solenoid wire sees at least 8v on startup
-new alternator
-battery tested good
-interlock switch works

sometimes the starter clicks once
somtimes it starts right up
somtimes the rear defroster light comes on when I try to start it

what's going on?

 

^bump

 

MIne did that it was the key switch I figured it out after replacing everything else .

like you did

 

do you mean the actual ignition switch?

 

Ya the switch where the key goes .I guess it doesn't supply enough power because I could hear a clicking noise but it wouldn't crank it's not to hard to change either not as bad as it looks anyway.

 

thanks a lot, I'll give that a try

 

i have this problem too. sometimes it'll start right up, sometime it takes 5 minutes worth of clicks. each click kills power to the clock and safc. i have noticed that if i shake the car, it'll almost always start on the next try. something loose maybe.

i have replaced an engine ground that wasn't there when i bought the car, and one battery terminal. maybe i'll try the other terminal.