Continuing Starting Issues!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
Continuing Starting Issues!!!!
I thought that with pulling and cleaning the fuse block my starting problems were solved (for about 3 weeks anyways). I am now having the same damn problem.
Drive somewhere park, then the car won't start. Slap some jumper cables on it and it starts right up. I can usually get two more starts after a jump before the car won't start again. The charge on the battery is good, all the lights and the radio work just fine but nothing happens when you turn the key.
I have been expierimenting over the last few days, I have been letting the car sit and I will go out and try to start it every 6 hours or so. Sometimes it will start, sometimes it will not.
Every time I get the car to start I turn it off and immediatley try to start it again, so far once on Tuesday the car started once, then did not re-start right away.
I have NO IDEA what the dang problem is, any input from anyone else is appreciated.
Drive somewhere park, then the car won't start. Slap some jumper cables on it and it starts right up. I can usually get two more starts after a jump before the car won't start again. The charge on the battery is good, all the lights and the radio work just fine but nothing happens when you turn the key.
I have been expierimenting over the last few days, I have been letting the car sit and I will go out and try to start it every 6 hours or so. Sometimes it will start, sometimes it will not.
Every time I get the car to start I turn it off and immediatley try to start it again, so far once on Tuesday the car started once, then did not re-start right away.
I have NO IDEA what the dang problem is, any input from anyone else is appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
Hey Stinger I'm having the same problem with my 75. I think I've tracked it down to the starter/ ignition solanoid or the connection along the drivers side, basically right above the front well. I think the corrosion there is the cause. I'll replace it this weekend.
Same exact problem. Someone must have a solution on here if this replacement doesn't work. Brand new battery, new alternator, starter is good ( I think) if this isn't it I'm stumped.
Someone here suggested it might be a bad ground from the battery to frame. I'll clean that area up to and see.
But what a pain. Turn the key and nothing at all, except the fasten seat belt light and radio. Can't drive it anywhere and shut it down for fear I won't be able to start it back up. So it's just cruise out of the garage and back into the garage.
If you sort this before I do, give a brother a heads up and how to, will ya?
Same exact problem. Someone must have a solution on here if this replacement doesn't work. Brand new battery, new alternator, starter is good ( I think) if this isn't it I'm stumped.
Someone here suggested it might be a bad ground from the battery to frame. I'll clean that area up to and see.
But what a pain. Turn the key and nothing at all, except the fasten seat belt light and radio. Can't drive it anywhere and shut it down for fear I won't be able to start it back up. So it's just cruise out of the garage and back into the garage.
If you sort this before I do, give a brother a heads up and how to, will ya?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
It is a pain, I will try to get to it this weekend, but more than likely it will be next weekend.
The thing that I don't get is, its not the battery but if I throw jumper cables (not a jump box, jump box won't work), it starts up in like 10 seconds......
The thing that I don't get is, its not the battery but if I throw jumper cables (not a jump box, jump box won't work), it starts up in like 10 seconds......
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
Get someone to start the car for you and check if you are getting voltage to the solenoid.
Do you get a click or anything when it doesn't start? Do you lights dim?
Do you get a click or anything when it doesn't start? Do you lights dim?
Last edited by fanmanbd; May 3, 2012 at 01:44 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
I haven't tried the jump yet.
The frustrating thing is that there are no consistent symptoms. It's like it starts when it feels like it. That won't do.
I'll be sure to let you know whatever I can figure.
The frustrating thing is that there are no consistent symptoms. It's like it starts when it feels like it. That won't do.
I'll be sure to let you know whatever I can figure.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
Thanks Mel and Fanman,
No dimming on my end. Turn the key and no turn, nothing. I do have strong fasten seat belt light and power to radio, but nothing else. It's just weird. I'm going to get under her this weeknend and check the battery ground. BUt I'm fairly confident it's that starter-igition relay. Kind of a pain to get at too.
Thanks though for the direction for Stinger and me.
No dimming on my end. Turn the key and no turn, nothing. I do have strong fasten seat belt light and power to radio, but nothing else. It's just weird. I'm going to get under her this weeknend and check the battery ground. BUt I'm fairly confident it's that starter-igition relay. Kind of a pain to get at too.
Thanks though for the direction for Stinger and me.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,303
Likes: 14
From: Lynn MA
Stinger-check all connectiosn grounds, I am betting on a bad selenoid in your car.
Stroh-I would bet on plug at ignition or relay - had same thing happen in my 67, was a faulty ignition/key assembly swapped and then it was fine
Stroh-I would bet on plug at ignition or relay - had same thing happen in my 67, was a faulty ignition/key assembly swapped and then it was fine
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
My 67 Chevelle had the same problem. When the starter got hot it wouldn't crank. Try another starter and solenoid and check that all connections are clean. New wires may help. If the starter is close to the engine you might try to install a metal shield. Have the starter checked to see if it is faulty. The shield worked for my Chevelle. It also wouldn't run in the rain, another shield to keep water out of the distributor. Good luck, you'll get it because it is a simple circuit. Never assume a new starter is a good starter.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 0
From: Titusville FL
My 67 Chevelle had the same problem. When the starter got hot it wouldn't crank. Try another starter and solenoid and check that all connections are clean. New wires may help. If the starter is close to the engine you might try to install a metal shield. Have the starter checked to see if it is faulty. The shield worked for my Chevelle. It also wouldn't run in the rain, another shield to keep water out of the distributor. Good luck, you'll get it because it is a simple circuit. Never assume a new starter is a good starter.
Had the same issue on my 72 vette. Got tired of messing with cleaning grounds, etc. so I just put in a new high torque "mini" starter and haven't had an issue. The OEM starter was huge and now I have a few extra inches from the engine so the new starter stays much cooler.
Good Luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
!. loose connection
2. install a 'ford' starter relay, a few chevys actually came from the factory with them installed . I actually know the GM part number for the ford relay. hope this helps, but pretty sure you're arcing off a connection ....somewhere
2. install a 'ford' starter relay, a few chevys actually came from the factory with them installed . I actually know the GM part number for the ford relay. hope this helps, but pretty sure you're arcing off a connection ....somewhere
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 276
From: Port Huron MI
Thanks fellas. Electrical gliches are a pain, a time consuming pain... But I'm on it. I'll start with cleaning grounds and connections. If a new starter is the issue then so be it. One step at a time.
And thanks Bill for the pic for that hard to reach ground. We'll sort it out.
And thanks Bill for the pic for that hard to reach ground. We'll sort it out.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 5
From: Schererville IN
You said your battery is charged, but did you have it tested?
A bad cell could cause the same issue you are having.
How old is the battery? If your car is not driven regularly this can play havoc on a battery.
I was having the same issue. Sometimes it would start, somtimes it wouldn't. No ryme or reason. Hot or cold did not matter. Battery tested ok, but was 6 years old. I replaced the battery and no more issues.
A bad cell could cause the same issue you are having.
How old is the battery? If your car is not driven regularly this can play havoc on a battery.
I was having the same issue. Sometimes it would start, somtimes it wouldn't. No ryme or reason. Hot or cold did not matter. Battery tested ok, but was 6 years old. I replaced the battery and no more issues.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 93
From: shelbyville West Michigan
Check your battery voltage, should be 12.6v or so.
then check voltage at the starter pos. cable and ground. should be same.
I agree probably grounds not good, or bad solenoid. Solenoids go bad much faster when you have a failing battery or don't have full power to the starter. the mechanical connection in the solenoid can arc and burn making problem worse. easy to fix, pull starter, pull solenoid, disconnect end of solenoid, flip the copper disc upside down and re-assemble. will be like new...
then check voltage at the starter pos. cable and ground. should be same.
I agree probably grounds not good, or bad solenoid. Solenoids go bad much faster when you have a failing battery or don't have full power to the starter. the mechanical connection in the solenoid can arc and burn making problem worse. easy to fix, pull starter, pull solenoid, disconnect end of solenoid, flip the copper disc upside down and re-assemble. will be like new...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Centreville VA
Well I am having the same problem, worked on the car today (installed RAAMat in the rear). The car sat all week and started right up on the first crank, I drove it a little bit then I parked it to get to work and it wouldn't start up again.
A buddy was helping me out so four hours and a 12 pack later we finished the RAAMat install, so the doors were open and the interior lights were on the whole time so the battery is definatley no the problem. I tried to start the car a few times just to see what the deal was while we were working, it did start once about 2 hours after it was parked, I ran it for about 5 min and shut it off again.
When we finished putting the car back together it wouldn't start again, we tested the started and there was juice going to the starter but it wouldn't turn over. I slapped some jumper cables on it and it started right up.
Since I live in an apartment I don't have jacks and everything to check the ground, but the ground and the solenoid are my next two things to check tomorrow.
Anyone have any tips?
A buddy was helping me out so four hours and a 12 pack later we finished the RAAMat install, so the doors were open and the interior lights were on the whole time so the battery is definatley no the problem. I tried to start the car a few times just to see what the deal was while we were working, it did start once about 2 hours after it was parked, I ran it for about 5 min and shut it off again.
When we finished putting the car back together it wouldn't start again, we tested the started and there was juice going to the starter but it wouldn't turn over. I slapped some jumper cables on it and it started right up.
Since I live in an apartment I don't have jacks and everything to check the ground, but the ground and the solenoid are my next two things to check tomorrow.
Anyone have any tips?