[S.T.U.V]

Could be hearing the starter relay click.... when you wacked the starter, did you hold the key in the start position?

If battery was dead it could be a dead cell if alternator is good. It could test 12 v but wont have the oomph to back it up. Try a known good battery from another car temporarily or you might be able to jump it.

If it was a aftermarket starter it could be junk already. They are a hit and miss in quality.

 

[S.T.U.V]

Starter relay? Hm, possibility.
Didn't have someone there to turn key while I whacked it; is that critical?
Had battery "tested" at AutoZone. Does that make a difference? Also, forgot to mention, did try jumping it, and no go.
Starter was definitely aftermarket, so a possibility there.
Thanks.

ETA: Just looked it up: Duralast reman starter, purchased 8/19 last year for $190. I hope it's a year warranty.

Yea gotta turn the key and wack it at the same time. It not jumping could point to a starter being the culprit.

If all lights turn on and don't dim way down when key is turned then battery should be fine.

 

[S.T.U.V]

Those reduction gear starters have two brass contacts that make connection with a brass disk in the solenoid. I used to be able to get the contacts for about ten bucks and replace them. The reduction gear starter motors almost never fail because they don't turn very fast.. I'm not sure if the contacts are available these days.

Ours have a brush set inside. They are not like the old toyota, honda starters where you could buy two contacts for about $20 and every other rebuild, buy the center disc "plunger" for $40 ish and have a brand new starter. I guess because they got cheaper it was just easier to buy the complete thing.

I used to just rebuild them on my desk for people when I worked retail parts. I would be like bring it in...I got the parts....bring me a 6 pack or some lunch and I'll get it done in 20 minutes.

 

[S.T.U.V]

Yep. Aftermarket electrical stuff is usually 3-5 times junk. I usually stay away from anything with a lifetime warranty. Means it was cheap enough to produce so the sale of 1 item pays for 10 of them.