starter on 96 LS400
 

After colision repair on front of vehicle.I could not get the starter to engage. Being assured it was the starter that was bad, I had it replaced. The same problem occured. Thinking that the rebuilt starter may also be fualty, it was removed and replacedwith a new starter from NAPA. The problem continued. After checkingall circuits and grounds,finding no electrical problems,it was decided to try another starter, a very expensive Bosch. Same results. There is power to the starter, but only a clicking sound occurs when attempting to start. Any suggestion or comments greatly appreciated

RE: starter on 96 LS400
 

do check youre flywheel it could effect the starter's gears...

RE: starter on 96 LS400
 

The problem could be caused by having voltage but insufficient amps. This could be caused by the following.
1. A bad battery 2. Bad battery cables 3. Bad connections at either end of the cables 4. Bad engine ground cable.
This is the initial test I would do.
1. Turn on the headlights AND put a voltmeter across the battery posts (NOT the connectors). Try to start the car while one watches the headlights and the voltmeter. If the headlights go dim (or out) AND the voltmeter drops to below 10 volts, the battery is not working. If the headlights go dim AND the voltmeter does not drop very much, the problem is between the starter and the battery. Most likely something wrong with the cable ends. Look for signs of corrosion at the terminal connection where the cable enters the terminal. Also check the engine ground cable (strap). Maybe in the accident it got damaged. If the headlights do not dim much and the voltmeter doesn't drop much, no amps are getting to the starter. The cables would bea prime suspect. Btw, a lot of engine ground straps are located on the back of the engine block (or head). Check to see if there is one on your car, and that it is OK.

Hope this helps.