possible starter problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 7
From: Sumner WA
possible starter problem
As winter set in an things got cold I started hearing a weird sound for about a second when I start my 88. At first I thought the belt might be worn and slipping due to the cold. The last couple of times I heard it though it seemed to sound more like my starter continuing to run after I let off the key. I've tried to confirm this by lying under the car and listening to the starter while my wife turns the key, but the problem is intermittent and I've never been able to be in the right place at the right time. I suspect it might be a sticking starter solenoid. Here are the clues that make me think that.
It only happens for about a second while starting.
The voltage indicator stays low until the sound goes away.
It seems to come from the passenger side when I'm in the driver's seat.
Car always starts normally.
What exactly does the starter solenoid do? I couldn't find a diagram of its components, but my Haynes manual refers to a return spring, so apparantly something is moving inside there. I do have a mystery oil leak somewhere, perhaps it's gumming up the solenoid when cold.
I'm tempted to just pull the thing out and take it apart and see how it works.
Also, the electrical diagram shows a relay between the switch and the solenoid. What's its purpose?
Do you have any good troubleshooting ideas? All the steps in the Haynes manual are for no start conditions, my problem's just the opposite.
Ron
It only happens for about a second while starting.
The voltage indicator stays low until the sound goes away.
It seems to come from the passenger side when I'm in the driver's seat.
Car always starts normally.
What exactly does the starter solenoid do? I couldn't find a diagram of its components, but my Haynes manual refers to a return spring, so apparantly something is moving inside there. I do have a mystery oil leak somewhere, perhaps it's gumming up the solenoid when cold.
I'm tempted to just pull the thing out and take it apart and see how it works.
Also, the electrical diagram shows a relay between the switch and the solenoid. What's its purpose?
Do you have any good troubleshooting ideas? All the steps in the Haynes manual are for no start conditions, my problem's just the opposite.
Ron
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: San Bernardino Ca
My started did the same thing it would continue cranking after the key was off. My problen was a spacer was broken off and the gear from the starter went beyond the point it should have gone. That gave it the extra drag so it would continue to crank. My opinion is to remove the starter and and check it. 
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The starter solenoid does two things. 1. It pushes the pinion gear on the starter motor shaft forward to engage the ring gear on the flywheel. 2. It closes a contact to supply current to the starter motor.
Most likely the contacts are badly pitted and occassionally weld shut keeping the starter motor running after you have left off the ign sw crank position. Solution: Replace the starter motor or repair or have someone repair your starter motor. If you take your starter motor to an auto electrical shop, they can probably repair it much cheaper than buying a rebuilt starter.
Most likely the contacts are badly pitted and occassionally weld shut keeping the starter motor running after you have left off the ign sw crank position. Solution: Replace the starter motor or repair or have someone repair your starter motor. If you take your starter motor to an auto electrical shop, they can probably repair it much cheaper than buying a rebuilt starter.
