Okay, I'll start by saying I've dug through the internet looking to solve this problem and haven't found an answer yet so I came here. I have a 96 SL2 that won't turn over. I've replaced the battery, alternator, and JUST finished replacing the starter.
The symptom is the same as with the old starter, it will click, lights dim, and it doesn't turn the engine over. I'm lost as to what it would be.
Have you attempted to turn the engine by hand using a socket or wrench on the harmonic balancer pulley? If it does not turn then it may have internal damage preventing rotation (Be careful when you do this and take precautions to make sure the engine will not start.)
Was the starter solenoid replaced? Are you sure the solenoid is good? (The replacement may be defective.) Is the "click" you are hearing the solenoid engaging? If so, then the ignition switch and starter relay are good, so look for issues in the high current path.
Are you certain that the full battery current is getting tot the starter? Are both of the cables (positive and negative/ground too) tight clean and not internally corroded/damaged? Are connections at both ends (grounds to the engine block for instance) clean and tight?
Good luck.
Bob
I agree with Bob, a seized engine would do this.
A quick way to check for a bad ground is to use a volt meter with one lead on the starter housing or engine block and the other on the battery's negative post. If you see more than 1 volt while cranking then you have a problem with the ground cable.
All wires have some resistance, so some voltage is expected. The voltage across the cable will be in proportion to the current. Knowing the cable's length, gauge, and material (CU or AL), we can calculate its resistance and determine the amperage it is carrying from the voltage. I know this works because I saw it on a box of cereal.
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