Tercel wont start

[tercelmaster22]

hey guys, i have a 93 tercel and the motor is pretty old, its the stock motor (dx). im trying to start it back up but i cant.. every time i try and start it, it makes a really big CLICK noise (just one click) i checked the starter and the battery.. turned out it wasnt neither of those.. the car wont even turn over. help plz thanks

[Donald]

How long has it been sitting wothout running?
I had the same symptoms on my car when I got it. Had a blown head gasket. Sat for two years. Pistons corroded in the cylinders and the engine froze.

If it is a manual shift, (with the ignition off) take out the spark plugs, put the car into 3rd or 4th gear. let off the hand brake and see if you can push the car and turn the engine over. If not it is frozen. Look into the spark plug holes and see if there is coolant in there. There should not be.

Good luck.

[tercelmaster22]

well it was being used while driving and suddenly just starting making some loud popping noise while cruising so i had to pull over and park it.. so next day i had to tow it to my garage. is been sitting there for about 2-3 months. the spark plugs were really bad but i doubt thats the problem.

[Tercel GTS]

Try what Donald suggested and let us know the results.

[tercelmaster22]

Is there just one wire that goes directly to the starter for a 93 toyota tercel?

[Tercel GTS]

No there is two, one directly from the battery, the other directly from ignition switch.

[NickR]

^And the first wire (from the battery) is thick, and the second wire (from the ignition switch) is thin.

Have you tried to do what Donald suggested? Or does your car have an automatic transmission? (I am trying to think of a simple way to test if the engine has seized in an auto transmission car.)

[Tercel GTS]

Take the plugs out and try spinning the engine while they are out. Don't let anyone be looking into the plug holes when you turn the key! Only let it turn a few spins.