Experience Dealership line mechanic on MG, Triumph, Jaguar for 15 years, Instructor in commercial mechanics school 2 yr. Product information manager for piston and valve manufacture, Instructor & hotline answer man for import car parts importer 15 yrs.
Organizations Associate member SAE
EAA member
Publications Import Car magazine
Education/Credentials ASE Master Auto with L-1 certification up to 2000
Question I have recently purchased an 86 XJS V12.
The starter is not operating.
I do hear a clicking sound coming from the starter relay.
This car has been sitting for about 3 years.
I do not know if it is normal for the starter relay to be making a click sound when the key is turned or if I need to pull the starter out and have it checked?
Answer No Buck, it's not normal. But you do need to determine if it is the relay clicking or the starter solenoid making the noise.
If you hear a loud rhythmic clicking, it is probably the solenoid and is a common sound when the battery is not up all the way or you have a bad connection in a battery cable (positive or ground cable)
First confirm that the battery is fully charged or connect a extra jumper battery up to the car battery. Next remove the large 12ga white w/red tracer wire off of the starter relay. (pin number "C-1")(the relay is in the far right back corner of the engine compartment)and touch it to the right power terminal post on the firewall. If you still get the clicking, it is the solenoid making the noise not the relay as that bypasses the relay. If this is the case you need to try to rotate the engine to be sure the engine is not locked up. Then check all grounds from the battery to the frame and from engine to body /frame. Then check the battery to the right and left power posts on the fire wall and to the starter solenoid and the battery condition.
Let me know,
Howard
