Why does a 1989 geo metro not start and just click when you turn the key sometimes but not all the time?

Answer 1

you need a starter its going out on you. The clutch switch may need adjustment. There is a switch which MUST be depressed when you step on the clutch. This is a safety feature to prevent the car from lurching forward when you start a car with a standard tranny. On mine, the floor mat prevented the cluch from being fully depressed and activating the switch. A simple adjustment of the switch fixed the problem. Note: the switch is threaded with a small lock nut to lock it in place. Definitely a starter solenoid problem. When your battery voltage is high enough the solenoid will work. When it drops slightly, the solenoid will only produce a clicking sound. Either your battery is marginal (Do a load test/voltage test on the battery) or the solenoid is beginning to break down. If you cannot replace the solenoid separately, you will have to replace the starter.