It happened again today, at least I was at home, but now I'm stranded (unless I can get my 74 240D going!!)

I've tryed everything taping on the starter the solenoid the battery cables and posts but nothing works...
This time when I touch the connectors on the solenoid with a jumper cable it causes it to spin but does not engage the starter...
When the ignition key is turned it does nothing.... but with the key in the on position, I do hear the battery hissing with hood open and standing next to the battery... which was alittle scary...

I guess I need to get another better starter... But I'm not sure about trying to replace it myself, seems like a royal pain. especially with no lift..

Try not just "tapping" on the solenoid but smack it good with a hammer...... Friend of mine carried a hammer for 2 yrs dealing with a sticky solenoid to start his car. It was a BMW, btw, major hassle to replace the starter & solenoid. He would first have to pull the injector pump. The guy became an expert at smacking the solenoid just right.

Replace the starter, or yank yours and have it rebuilt. Yes the 617's starter does look like a royal pita. I hope I never have to change mine.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

OK I wacked it and still nothing... Does anyone know an easy way to remove the solenoid only from the top? Or, should I just take everything out from the bottom.

Your starter probably has lots of miles/starts on it. Bit the bullet, take the starter out, open it up and see if it is salvagable, if not get a new one for about $150, put it back in, learn from the experience, and be on your way.

Hitting on the starter to make it go is only a temperory solution. Try doing this at one in the am in a snowed in parking lot on a winter's evening.

Well I finally got the starter out and replaced it with a new one, this time I did it myself so now I know how. I removed the battery and the tray the battery rests on to get to the top bolt of the starter. I had to bend an allen wrench to turn the bolt. I had to get under the car to get to the bottom bolt of the starter. Once I removed the bolts I was able to pull the starter out of the hole where the battery was.. What a pain but I finally got it out...

I brought it back to Auto Zone and got a new one. I guess I'm just glutin for punishment... I know, but I just wanted to get it back together and get it started, couldn't wait to find a better starter. I put the new starter in and put everything away, cleaned up, got in the car, turned the key and nothing but a click...

I couldn't believe it... Got my son to put some jumper cables on it and she started right up.... Put it on an overnight charge.

Thanks for the replys and help

a trick my uncle, mechanic all his life, showed me a trick he used. clean the post/terminal, reconnect it, and drop a few drops of motor oil onto the posts/terminals. you will NEVER have corrosion again.

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1980 300D