Howdy - Old Fart again. Can't seem to find a knowledgeable mechanic in San Antonio, TX - like my money but can't solve the problem.

In the morning - Turn on key - just get a click - do this 4 to 10 times and it starts right up and runs great all day. Starts fine the rest of the day. Sits overnight and the same problem. Just paid $240 for a new battery. Didn't solve the problem. Paid 5 different shops for Diagnostic fees but can't seem to locate the problem - I thought OBD-II was the answer - apparently not.

Any guesses as to what this OLD guy might try to check would be appreciated. Too darn much fun to let it sit

Thanks

Dale Lentz
San Antonio, TX
dale.lentz@sbcglobal.net

 

First off, don't ever pay 240 for a battery again. WAY over priced even for a good one.

A 95 is NOT OBD-II. Even if it was, the OBD systems where not designed to assist in diagnosis of problems. It is there for mostly emissions purposes for the EPA and auto manufactures. Also, codes and scan tools are just that TOOLS. They never tell you the answer on what is wrong with the car. They just give you clues and assist you, sometimes they can lead you in the wrong direction.

I am assuming the "click" you hear is the starter solenoid kicking on.

Now to your issue. It sounds to me like you might have a failing starter motor/solenoid. As long as the connections are clean and tight, and you have a good battery, this is what my gut says without actually being there to diagnosis it. If it is clicking every time you turn the key that tells me the control side of the system seems to be ok. Next is the actual starter motor side which is basically good connections, good battery and good ground.

Like I said, sounds like you MIGHT have a failing starter motor.

This might be a bit difficult but worth a try. In the morning you turn the key and it clicks. Try and tap with a hammer (not too hard) the starter motor and then try to start the car. If you do this and it starts up after tapping on it, you need a starter motor.

If you wind up putting on a starter motor, may I suggest you avoid the el' cheap'o ones. I have put more starters/alternators on that where "rebuilt and tested" only to have them be junk, than I care to mention. NAPA seems to have better stuff, or go OEM reman. Buy the best one you can afford. Personally, I put a new alternator on my 93, I went AcDelco reman unit. $125 on Ebay!!! NO issues as of yet.

 

Sounds like it's at the starter to me too, but??????? We can check it out. You've got mechanical geniuses close at hand. Well, willing participants in experimental wrenching anyway. I'm sure me & some friends here in San Antonio can trace this out.
The TCA (Texas Corvette Association) meets this next Tuesday (1st tue of every month) out at Biff Buzby's Burgers, IH35 @ Toepperwein Rd at 7pm. Get there before 6:30pm if you want a seat.(Yeah, BIG club!) We need more C4 guys in the club. I'm getting tired of being one of only 2 or 3 C4's to show up in a crowd of 5's & 6's.

 

I had the exact same problem with my 96. In the morning, it would not turn and all I got was a click. If I waited until the day time temperature warmed up, it would fire right up. I eventually replaced the starter and it solved the problem.

 

another vote for the starter, but before i would drop any coin, i'd check the battery grounds, and electrical connections to the starter itself. sometimes a little corrosion or a slightly loose connection can cause some issues. $240 for a battery -WTF - ??? - have i got a deal for you. i own this bridge in NYC and some really nice, prime swamp land in florida - send cash...

 

You folks are Truly the Greatest. Received more, and better information in one day than I have in 7 months.

Oh Yeah, Joe C - I always did want a Bridge in New York City. Thin I'll pass on the swamp land in Florida. Been there. Gator's OK, snakes, not so much.

Thanks again folks, Really Appreciate Everyone's comments.

Dale

 

I had the same problem on my 96, turn key and it would just click. I replaced the starter and problem solved! I also checked all cables for corrosion and looseness. The Nippondenso starter is prone to heat soak!

 

Starter.

 

Now this is a first, every responder agreed. Last time there was a miracle that big there was a star in the east. I'll check it out tonight.

BTW Dale, I traded your South Texas (Alice) scorpions and big 8 legged critters for gators. A least I can see the scaly backed lizards.

 

If you can wait a couple of days on a starter rebuild instead of buying a questionable quality replacement, I know an excellent rebuilder.
(Win Brisbin Rebuilders 12009 N. North Loop Rd. 210-496-2077 )
His shop is just across from the Airport. The street is right off Nacoma about 200ft. past the bridge over 281.
He's fast, accurate and does everything right there; doesn't ship stuff off somewhere else. He has all the test equipment for starters and alternators right in his shop and will talk with you about what you need and what he can do for you. Can't beat his price for the service either. Nice guy. My buddy took his alternator to him for a high piched whine. He redressed the armature and put in fresh bearings & load tested it in just a day. Great guy with great service.