Why won't my 97 Mitsubishi Mirage manual shift turn over It has a brand new battery and it sounds like I can hear a click but I'm not sure. Where's the starter and the solenoid?

Answer 1

The solenoid is an integral part of the starter in most modern vehicles. Also for most modern vehicles, the starter is near the bottom of the engine, and the drive end of the starter connects through the back of the casting into the flywheel. (the flywheel is between the engine and transmission)

A clicking sound can indicate that the starter/solenoid is not getting enough current. This can be caused by a poor electrical connection between the battery and the solenoid. If the battery is new, it could possibly be that the connection to the battery was not tightened down properly. Check to see if the battery clamps are tight. Follow the thick cable from the battery to the starter, and check to see if the end connected to starter is tight. Check the negative connection from the battery to the engine block for tight connections. Try removing the battery clamps and cleaning the connections. Replace the clamps, tighten, and test again.

I have a 1990 Mirage, and the starter/solenoid is on the rear of the engine below the intake manifold. The bolts for the starter are on the left side of the engine, and go through the transmission housing where it connects to the engine.