Got a bad starting problem with my 1985 Tercel wagon

There are two copper contacts that conduct battery current to the motor through the plunger solenoid. These wear out with time and should be replace around 100-120K miles depending how many start cycles. When you hear a loud click and, because of wear, no current flows these are it.

See:

BTW, get the right kits for your particular starter.

I tested the horn and it was way down low.

This seems to point to the alternator after all: I previously tested that by removing the negative on the battery when the engine was running, and it kept running. I also tested the alternator by shining the lights at a wall and revving the engine, noticing no change in the intensity of the light.

When I got an instant start with a jump, I realize it must be the alternator after all.

Am I right?

---firefly

Quiet horn -- Low current form the battery?

Battery and alternator brush assemblies are periodic maintenance items. The brushes ($20) wear out typically around 120K miles. The battery I just replace every 5-6 years no questions asked. Walmart has excellent ones made by Johnson Controls (~$45). A weak battery strains and wears out the altrnator and vise versa.

If the car keeps running AFTER starting, then your alternator is providing enough current and most likely still good. So how old is the battery? I wouldn't ignore the starter contacts either, especially if you can start after repeated clicking.

Oh BTW about low horn, the battery could be low because of repeated cranking. The alternator really isn't meant to charge a completely low battery. This puts a lot of strain on it and it will run very hot. Best to get a battery charger (Black and Decker or Schumacher) high frequency charger 2/4/6 amps around $30.

The proper way to test the vehicle's charging and starting system is with an ammeter, voltmeter, and load tester. There are places that will check this stuff for little or no cost, usually much less than the cost of a hit-or-miss parts replacement.

Ray is right. Should have also mentioned that Autozone, your local NAPA store and others will test many models of alternators, starters and batteries.