Starting problems
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: St Paul MN
Starting problems
Alright, so I'm having some weird starting issues that I need help sorting out. This is my first dealing with electrical issues, so I'm a bit of newb in this area.
When I try to start the car, I get nothing...no sound, no clicking, absolutely nothing. I can turn the headlights on, and they dim when I turn the key to the start position. In order to jump the car, I have to wait about 5 minutes before it is able to turn over. I then drove around for about 15 minutes, shut the car down, and tried to start it immediately...nothing
. I recently replaced the alternator in an effort to solve this issue, and the battery is a 1 year old Optima red top. So this leaves the starter? Or could it just be that the battery is discharged? Thanks in advance for the help.
-Colin
When I try to start the car, I get nothing...no sound, no clicking, absolutely nothing. I can turn the headlights on, and they dim when I turn the key to the start position. In order to jump the car, I have to wait about 5 minutes before it is able to turn over. I then drove around for about 15 minutes, shut the car down, and tried to start it immediately...nothing
. I recently replaced the alternator in an effort to solve this issue, and the battery is a 1 year old Optima red top. So this leaves the starter? Or could it just be that the battery is discharged? Thanks in advance for the help.-Colin
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Have you checked the battery. If you don't have the equipment to do so, take to Advance Auto or other such parts house to have them do it (free) along with the charging system. Just because a battery is only a year old doesn't mean it's good or properly charged. 
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
How about if the car starts sometimes and others you hear it turn over a bit then nothing. Took the starter off and had it checked, it was ok. Also have a brand new battery. The guy at the parts store suggested there could be a problem in the ignition switch. Any known issues with the C3 81's that have to do with the switch? Trying to track down the issue, cleaning all the grounds too just to make sure that is all clear.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Let us know how it starts after you fix the grounds.
But I must say that if you try to start it with the lights on and they go dim you have a bad starter or a bad batt.....sorry
It is NOT the ign. sw.!!!!
But I must say that if you try to start it with the lights on and they go dim you have a bad starter or a bad batt.....sorry
It is NOT the ign. sw.!!!!
Last edited by sly vette; May 10, 2008 at 12:39 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
How about if the car starts sometimes and others you hear it turn over a bit then nothing. Took the starter off and had it checked, it was ok. Also have a brand new battery. The guy at the parts store suggested there could be a problem in the ignition switch. Any known issues with the C3 81's that have to do with the switch? Trying to track down the issue, cleaning all the grounds too just to make sure that is all clear.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Right now I'm facing the same situation, it seems that for my DEAL...it has to be that starter. After placing the headers on the car during the "so called WINTER" here in San Antonio. I forgot to place a heat shield on the starter. I don't know if this helps? And those of you who have been here understand it gets FREAKIN HOT!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
I've had this problem before over the years, seems to be a drained or draining battery every time. If you can jump it and the car starts (starter works) then it's probably not the starter solenoid. Assuming stock style starter and not high torque? not that it makes much of a difference but one may require more power to crank, not sure.
Even in a "hot start" situation the car usually grunts and turns over a little. Might check the wires running to from the starter to make sure one isn't grounding temporaily on a header or somewhere because it got hot and wore through the insulation.
Even in a "hot start" situation the car usually grunts and turns over a little. Might check the wires running to from the starter to make sure one isn't grounding temporaily on a header or somewhere because it got hot and wore through the insulation.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 97
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From: St Paul MN
Welp, just to update, the issue is resolved...brought the battery to Checker, who told me the battery was shot, which I had a tough time believing since it was only a year old. So I brought it to Sears(where I originally bought it), who sent it through 2 charge cycles, and told me the battery was fine. I installed it, and the car fired right up. Drove it around for a while turned it off, and it fired right back up again 
Makes me feel pretty dumb, as I should have just checked the battery in the first place, but you live and learn I guess. Thanks a bunch
Makes me feel pretty dumb, as I should have just checked the battery in the first place, but you live and learn I guess. Thanks a bunch
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Well I just replaced the starter and drove..shut it off. Started again, shut it off about 2 times, started right up. No noise, no nothing...however drive to get gas. Shut the engine, attempted to leave, and I couldn't even turn the engine.??!!! HELP! My brother thinks it could be a bad wire? Thoughts>>>?