Intermintent starting problem
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,515
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL ...... On Iowa!!!
Intermintent starting problem
I'm having an intermitent starting problem with my '94. Fully charged new battery. About every 3rd time I crank it, it does nothing. Turn it off and crank it again and it usually starts. Could it be the starter? Thanks.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
do you hear any thing at all when it does not start? a single click? multiple clicks? does it seem to only do it when the engine is cold? or when the engine is hot?
More information could help trouble shoot the issue.
More information could help trouble shoot the issue.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 861
Likes: 1
From: Hyde Park NY
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Tigerhawk
I'm having an intermitent starting problem with my '94. Fully charged new battery. About every 3rd time I crank it, it does nothing. Turn it off and crank it again and it usually starts. Could it be the starter? Thanks.
This could be the security VATS system. I had this problem and it was due to a worn resistor chip on my key. I purchased a new key and all was well. If it is the VATS , you need to wait 4 mins between start attempts to reset. If it starts within 4 mins from a failed attempt, then it is something else as you indicate.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,515
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL ...... On Iowa!!!
Originally Posted by drewber
do you hear any thing at all when it does not start? a single click? multiple clicks? does it seem to only do it when the engine is cold? or when the engine is hot?
More information could help trouble shoot the issue.
More information could help trouble shoot the issue.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
That is a classic symptom of a poor battery cable connection! Disconnect the battery cables (neg first) and clean the cable lugs, battery posts, and bolts and reconnect (neg last). Starter motors draw 100+ amps to crank and require a low resistance connection to the battery. You always want your battery connections to be like your lover........bright and tight! 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,515
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL ...... On Iowa!!!
jfb-Thanks, I removed the battery terminals and the positve cable was in fact corroded. I cleaned it up, but now I have a new problem. I over tightened the terminal bolt and stripped it out! 
My battery is only 6 mos old. Can it be saved?
PS- Car is still not starting every time. Could this be due to less than perfect connection at positive terminal?
My battery is only 6 mos old. Can it be saved? PS- Car is still not starting every time. Could this be due to less than perfect connection at positive terminal?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Yes, you could have an intermittent connection inside the battery due to the threaded insert in the battery positive post. Measure the battery terminal voltage while cranking, it should not fall below 9.0 volts or you have a discharged battery, poor cable connection, or a battery at the end of its life. Personally, I would replace the battery, I don't know of a way to fix your battery post.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 0
From: Leeds Alabama
Sounds like your over thinking it. I BET its the starter, had several C4's do the EXACT same thing when the starter was gong bad. The other suggestions above would be AFTER I checked the starter. And very,very,very last. There is a TSB for a CCM problem that will do that but its VERY rare and affects only a certain VIN number cars (94/95)
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