So it finally has happened to me too.

The starter won't turn the engine. The solenoid engages but nothing happens, all I hear is the clank clank clank from it combined with the power door locks locking and unlocking.

My take on this is that the starter is busted causing a short circuit which in turn kills the power for the solenoid causing it to go back to its rest position but if the key is still turned then the solenoid gets energized again and the cycle repeats, all this is accompanied by the door locks going on-off-on-off.

I tried with the battery from my wife's Jeep but still the same thing.

Any ideas what could be?

D.

 

forget about doors for a minute...how do you know your starter is engaged? have you tapped your starter with a piece of metal while turning the key? its pretty rare for a starters solenoid to go before the motor itself. mayb check your wiring...

 

It's not the solenoid that's gone. You can hear the solenoid clanking.
As far as I know when the coil is energized the starter gear is pushed forward and the starter motor is powered up, at this point the gear is engaged with the flex plate/flywheel and as long as you have the solenoid "pushing" the gear the starter turns the engine.
In my case I get the "pushing" but I don't get the turning.

You are right though, if I could disconnect the power door locks just to insulate the sound that would help. The power locks are very loud so I'm sure the clanking they make camouflages the real noise coming from the starter/solenoid.

My next step is to jack the car up and tap the starter but my garage is too cold for it.

 

not sure if this will help . But I had a mid 80's grand prix and the locks kept cycleing . I needed new relays . got some new bosh ones and Bob's you uncle.

 

smack that starter....if that dont work..get a new one

 

You're probably right 83camaroman. I'll do that when I have a chance to jack it up.