Help. We have a 1999 Nissan B14 (GA16DE engine) that has had intermittent starter problems for six months or so. It has one of those small permanent-magnet starters.

Symptoms: Won't start. Turn key to ON, all lights come on. Turn it to START, the radio turns off, dash lights stay on, no click or nothing. Nothing happens (although the dash light do dim a barely perceptible amount while key is held to START)

First time this happened, I tested the interlock circuits. Found no problems, 12V was getting to the starter solenoid. Removed the starter, and it test fine on the ground! Put start back on and no problem for six month.

This it happened again. Remove starter and it tested fine. Put it back in and it worked for a couple of days. Then wouldn't start.

Bought a new solenoid, put it on and car still wouldn't start (same symptoms as previously). Removed starter, tested it, was fine, so put it back in and car started three times in a row. Next time we go to start it, the old symptoms are back.

* Cleaned battery terminals
* Cleaned solenoid terminal
* Tried jump start with no effect
* Try a jumper wire from NEG post to starter housing + jumper wire from POS post to solenoid wire. Just get a spark, and battery voltage slowly goes down to 11.5 volts. No click.

Could the new solenoid be defective too? Or is something else going on?

I had a very similar problem. Perhaps the starter is dirty and clogged up. My solenoid was doing the same temperamental no click but worked 100% off the car. Starter tested fine off the car, but after fitting it the problem was still there. Bench testing the motor, it failed once so that's when I cleaned it, haven't had the problem since.

Good idea. I'll check that out. Thanks!

Yes, it was an internal starter problem. The positive brushes are worn down to the limit. Time to order new $8 brushes (new brush assembly is over $100!!!)