2000 Elantra not starting

Did you check the fluid levels in the battery? I'll bet they're low. Even so-called "sealed" batteries lose fluid and need to be refilled periodically. If so, refill each cell with DISTILLED water until the water just touches the plastic filler neck. You can get distilled water at a grocery store or pharmacy.

BTW, how old is the battery? If it's more than 3 years old, it's probably due for replacement, anyway.

Probably not, since the car started when jumped.

I haven't looked on the Elantra engine, but it's probably on the back side of the engine, facing the firewall, tucked up under the intake manifold, where it's a royal pain in the butt to get to.

You're exactly right on the location of the starter, Brian. It's not that big a pain, however.

That's good to know. I've had other cars with suspension/steering parts that blocked easy access to the starter. I'm glad to hear the the Elantra isn't one of them.

MY BAD! What I MEANT to communicate was that after I charged it for 15 minutes from my car it did NOT start - my car continually charged the Elantra's batt...but the elnatra never started! =)

Does that clear things up any? Sorry for the confusion!

So, here's your possibilities as I see them:

Bad cables, cables dirty not attached to starter or ground points properly, starter defective, or engine or accessory locked and will not turn.

A really loud clunk tends to indicate something is locked.

A click is probably the starter solenoid. If that's the case, you'll probably need to do some testing to see whether you're getting proper voltage to the starter while attempting to crank the engine.

** BATTERY NEW **

Started no problem a week ago AFTER I posted this??? WIERD.

Week later - Got home after it sat NOT being charged and it STARTED THREE TIMES consecutively w/o any problem @ all!

is this how a solenoid goes? Or a starter?

It's more of an a lighter clicking sound, not the heavy clicking

I've got a few price quotes on replacing the starter - looking like $250 for parts and labor...is that about right?

It's quite possible, but as Hyundaitech said, it may just be bad power or ground connections. Have you checked them?

That doesn't sound unreasonable, but you can buy a rebuilt starter for ~$125 and install it yourself in around an hour. It's not a complicated job.

is this one okay? Or should I stay away from ebay rebuilt starters?

Thanks for the input!

I couldn't say what the quality is, but I'd feel more comfortable buying electrical parts locally, where they can be easily exchanged. Also, local rebuilders will take your old starter (referred to as a "core") and rebuild it. I'm fortunate to have a high-quality rebuilder a few miles from home. Check around and perhaps you'll find one, too. If you're anywhere near Merrimack, NH I highly recommend Auto Electric Warehouse

I've bought several alternators and starters from them over the years and they've always lasted longer than the original parts did.