Starting problems...diagnosis?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Post Falls ID
Starting problems...diagnosis?
Ever since the last time I went to the track, my corvette has been acting up mildly when starting it. Here are the symptoms:
Go to start it the 1st time - just a click
Go to start it a second time - a couple of turns over but no fire
Third time - Finally starts like there was no problem at all
This has happened probably 50% of the time in the last couple of weeks. What could it be? I am thinking starter/starter solenoid because the battery is in great condition.
Is there any way to diagnose?
Go to start it the 1st time - just a click
Go to start it a second time - a couple of turns over but no fire
Third time - Finally starts like there was no problem at all
This has happened probably 50% of the time in the last couple of weeks. What could it be? I am thinking starter/starter solenoid because the battery is in great condition.
Is there any way to diagnose?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Your right, it sounds like the starter solenoid. Except for the second part about it turning over several times and not starting. I guess this could result if a rich condition happens if injectors pulse then starter doesn't turn. I'm not certain if they pulse with fuel pump run before engine is turned or not.
I do know for certain that solenoids will work. then not, intermittently before they finally die all the way.
I'm also condidering your VATS and or key pellet.
I bet it's the solenoid though. You can have it replaced at a good starter alternator shop quite a bit cheaper than replacing whole starter. If you pull it and take it to them you'll save on labor, plus you wont have to shim up a new starter.
I do know for certain that solenoids will work. then not, intermittently before they finally die all the way.
I'm also condidering your VATS and or key pellet.
I bet it's the solenoid though. You can have it replaced at a good starter alternator shop quite a bit cheaper than replacing whole starter. If you pull it and take it to them you'll save on labor, plus you wont have to shim up a new starter.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Its not VATS because it won't allow even a click if the pellet isn't read right. It could be the contacts in the starter solenoid wearing out, but first I would remove your battery cables (neg first) and clean the cable lugs , battery terminals, and bolts and replace (neg last). The 100+ amps that starter motors need requires a good electrical connection to the battery. You want your cable connections to be like your lover, bright and tight.
One test is to measure the battery terminal voltage during cranking. It must not fall below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged (no load battery terminal voltage below 12.0 volts), battery cables with bad connection, or the battery is at the end of its life. The starter needs to be removed and the starter solenoid contacts need to be looked at to confirm worn out contacts.
One test is to measure the battery terminal voltage during cranking. It must not fall below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged (no load battery terminal voltage below 12.0 volts), battery cables with bad connection, or the battery is at the end of its life. The starter needs to be removed and the starter solenoid contacts need to be looked at to confirm worn out contacts.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
You have a 96 which is a gear reduction starter.
Lots of power needed to kick that starter.
I would check the voltage first and after it starts see if the volt meter drops below 13.8 volts when engine runs for about 10 minutes.
Like above battery cables are first.
The starter is not cheap so make all the tests first.
I ended up replacing my starter,the chevy dlr said I needed a flywheel
.
Of course thay were wrong.
Lots of power needed to kick that starter.
I would check the voltage first and after it starts see if the volt meter drops below 13.8 volts when engine runs for about 10 minutes.
Like above battery cables are first.
The starter is not cheap so make all the tests first.
I ended up replacing my starter,the chevy dlr said I needed a flywheel
.Of course thay were wrong.
