Starter Problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Starter Problems
Hi Everyone,
I recently started driving my 1996 LT4 recently, it was in the shop after a major accident. Anyway, when I try and start it, sometimes it begins to start but won't and other times I simply get nothing. I know I don't have a battery problem because it's brand new an all the lights etc work fine. Also, I don't think it's an alternator issue because once the car fires up, it runs fine, also that makes me think it's not a spark issue either. My suspicion is that my starter is begining to go bust. I looked online and re-built starters seem to run about $220.00. So, I have some questions, 1. is there a cheaper source someone knows about, 2. is replacing the starter the right thing and 3. is this easy for a non-grease monkey like myself to do on his own?
Thanks for your replies.
Jeremy
I recently started driving my 1996 LT4 recently, it was in the shop after a major accident. Anyway, when I try and start it, sometimes it begins to start but won't and other times I simply get nothing. I know I don't have a battery problem because it's brand new an all the lights etc work fine. Also, I don't think it's an alternator issue because once the car fires up, it runs fine, also that makes me think it's not a spark issue either. My suspicion is that my starter is begining to go bust. I looked online and re-built starters seem to run about $220.00. So, I have some questions, 1. is there a cheaper source someone knows about, 2. is replacing the starter the right thing and 3. is this easy for a non-grease monkey like myself to do on his own?
Thanks for your replies.
Jeremy
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,597
Likes: 22
From: Orange County NY
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13
i am certainly no expert, but don't rule out the battery just because the lights, etc. work. the battery may not be putting out enough amps to turn the starter.
also, if the engine isn't turning over at all, try giving the starter a few light taps with a hammer. if it turns over after that, your starter is probably on it's way out.
good luck!
also, if the engine isn't turning over at all, try giving the starter a few light taps with a hammer. if it turns over after that, your starter is probably on it's way out.
good luck!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Madison WI
Since you have an LT4 I'm assuming a 6-speed tranny as well. I had a 90 with a bad clutch safety switch (clutch in to start). I bypassed it and never had a problem again. I also now have a 94 that had intermittent problems and it was the solenoid contacts. I sanded them down and put them back in for now until I can figure out where to get them. I heard if you can find the part number since it is starter used in some Toyota trucks. Taking the starter out isn't too difficult, just disconnect the battery first, jack it up and remove the two electrical connections (5/16 nut and I believe a 1/2 nut). Then take out the two starter bolts (careful not to lose shims if there are any) and it comes right out. You can also have the battery load tested at Autozone or Checker if you have one nearby to see if it has a short or lack of current to turn the starter.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 721
Likes: 10
From: Irvine CA
Sounds like the starter I just replaced. Just check the battery connections first. I was the told that the computer is very sensitive to the voltage, if its not right it won't even try to start, but the lights work fine.
Replacing it is awkward but simple enough. The is a seal that goes between the starter and the fly wheel housing, get a new one.
Two beer job.
Replacing it is awkward but simple enough. The is a seal that goes between the starter and the fly wheel housing, get a new one.
Two beer job.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Aurora Co
Jeremy - I just went through major "bravo sierra" with mine until I replaced the starter. I had advice to try the battery, the battery cables, the alternator, every electrical connection, ad nauseum. I spent hours trying every possibility and actually got it to start - twice - before failing to start over and over again - it finally died for good in a restaurant parking lot when I had to go back to the office. Anyway...$85 for a remfg starter, $80 for labor, and it hasn't missed a beat since.
