When IG key turn to start. I assume you see dash lights dim and or battery gauge dips?
Stock or aftermarket battery set-up, like perhaps a second battery?
Make very sure, battery clamps and cables all secure and battery post clean. Also the fusible link (hangs off positive cable) in good condition.
Which battery and what's voltage are you seeing?
(G24f we like to see above 12.4V min., G27f 12.2v, some very large batteries, we can get away with as blow as 11.4V.
I’m too new to owning my LX to assume I know much…
2000 LX. Have an out of nowhere issue when starting engine.
Replaced starter about 18k miles ago at 215k. Alternator swapped last summer.
Vehicle wants to click/engage with ignition key turned and acts like a weak battery
"Wants" to or does click?
Have you confirm, click from starter?
One way to do this is with mechanics stethoscope, place on starter. While someone else tries to start. One can use a long steel rod a very long screwdriver.
If starter does click:
It can be a failed Bendix drive loudly. When these fail, we'll often hear a click. The solenoids contacts engage plunger, forcing Bendix Drive to extends, out of alignment and hits flex plate "CLICK". After a few tries, the gears mesh on extension and it starts.
Can also be the two bolts that secure starter, to block. Have walked out, due to not being torque. Starter can move around, changing bendix drive alignment with flex plate.
It be may case, of contacts not seated properly. I reset all reman starter contracts, before install.
It can also be, hot wire nut has loosened.
Or the signal wire housing block loose. I replace the wire housing block on most. Because, the locking clip almost always break. Did your break, when removed?
but will eventually turn over and start with a couple on/off toggles with key. It turns over sharply and once it happens.
Am I wrong to assume a starter solenoid impending failure? Would you guys look at other culprits?
It's actually rare, to hear click. When contact of solenoid fail. It can "click", but would likely be a very mild click and hard to hear while in driver seat.
