what happens when a starter is going bad or is bad?

does the engine turnover but not start, starter makes the ticking noise, or does it do nothing?

my car randomly does absolutely nothing when i try to start it. dash lights turn on, cel clicks off but then nothing happens. all i hear is the fuelpump, no ticking starter or anything. sometimes while im holding the key on to start, after a second or two, it will just start up. and sometimes i have to turn off and turn it again multiple times before it starts. but when it does start, it starts up right away.

 

I would say it could be a bad solenoid in the starter or your ignition switch.

 

i would say ignition switch or clutch switch.

 

ok thanks. i guess ima have to go with the ignition switch. it cant be the clutch switch cause ive never had to hold the clutch it to start. im not sure exactly why but it has to do with the fact that i had a 5spd conversion done.

 

More than likely it's the stater solenoid. I went through the exact same thing on my '68 C-10. I pulled the solenoid off a couple of times and cleaned the contacts, but I eventually had to replace it. You can actually connect a lead from your battery to the starter solenoid battery terminal, and it should spin over. I did it, but I wasn't dealing with a crowded engine bay, or an ECU. BTW, DO NOT buy a starter from any parts house (Auto Zone, Advance, etc.). Buy an OEM one. I went through 3 staters (about 6 months) on my 327, and on my third one now (around 6 months) with my 250. All bought from Auto Zone and Advance. Just buy OEM, it'll save you the hassle in the long run.
Also, more than likely your nuetral safety switch isn't connected, or is connected wrong. That's why you don't have to push the clutch to crank it. Good luck. John