B4000 loud click when starting

[justinae]

I searched the forum and didn't find a thorough answer. I've got a 1994 B4000 manual and it stopped starting yesterday. Battery is fine and a jump didn't work. Kick starting works so I could get home. It makes a loud clicking noise when I turn the key and there is a part on the drivers side mounted to the body that the noise is coming from. I think that part is the solenoid switch. I can get the starter replaced today but obviously don't want to spend the money if it's not the starter itself.

I've seen others on the forum talk about the loud click. Does it make sense to replace the solenoid switch (source of the noise) or does that part always make that noise and I don't hear it because the truck is starting normally.

How difficult is it to replace the starter myself?

Any help appreciated.
Justin

[justinae]

So this is the one mounted to the fender that is making all the noise:
ACDelco F905 - Switch, Starter Solenoid 1994 Mazda B4000 | O'Reilly Auto Parts

But it also looks like there is a solenoid mounted on top of my starter. Is it common to have both?

It's $20 for the fender mounted switch so that makes a lot more sense of where to start, but if that's not likely the cause then don't want to waste the effort.

[justinae]

OK, just put a vise grip to bypass the fender mounted solenoid switch and that didn't work. After some research it seems the loud clicking is part of the function of the fender mounted switch? Anyone want to confirm that?

So does that leave me with replacing the starter?

[justinae]

Guess I'm kinda having a conversation with myself, but just in case anyone else is having a similar issue, I did end up needing a new starter to the tune of $165.