95 Tracker quirky starter issue

[J-Dogg]

OK: At first we thought it was just a starter issue. Starter WAS shot, we replaced. No problems at first but then it started not starting. Solenoid would click, but not turning it over. Figured dead spot in re-man. starter. Put in 2 more, same thing. Battery is 100%, all connections are tight (we think!) The only thing we notice is that if you put car in gear and roll it when it's just clicking, it will eventually hit a spot where it will start normal.

Soooo, any guesses as to what is going on?

All help appeciated. -J

BTW: She's a 95 16V AUTO 4x4.

[kick-fix]

one voltmeter test would have saved all that work and grief.
do you have a voltmeter, dvm,dmm, dso, or gmm?
any even a $3 harbor fright meter?


no need to guess ever again.

its all here.

Engine-will-not-crank-over

keep an open mind and use the meter to show the real problem.
see the last photo. see the meter?


if you cant get full power to the starter , it will never start, correctly and reliably.

My first guesse (you asked)
is the battery cable on top of the starter (ground main from batterY) is not bolted securely to the top mount of the starter.

2nd guess. (bad with out data)
bad battery cables. (internal corrosion)

i bet the car will start by wiggling the battery cables or the start key line is bad.

3rd guess.
bad PNP tranny switch , wiggle that. wiggle that shifter ! while cranking attempted.


#1 test are:
hot wire the starter solenoid , if it starts then the starter key line is bad.
if not , then starter power is bad.

left field , mangled flywheel ring gear.

but the voltage test will fail due to overload on starter.