Starter problem?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Starter problem?
This is probably a slam-dunk problem.
During the past couple of weeks, when I go to start the car, I've been getting intermittent problems. I can hear the starter (solonoid) engage and the lights dim. But the engine doesn't turn over.
The first time this happened, I put jumpers on it. It still did the same thing. But a couple of ignition taps later it fired up.
Since then, every time it happens I just hit the key repeatedly until the starter turns over. It may take 6-8 trys but it turns over.
At first I thought the battery was going (it's 3+ years old), but it's starting to seem more like the starter is going bad. I'm not moving my foot (on the clutch) so I don't think it's the clutch switch. Since I can hear a click (and the lights dim), I'm guessing it's not the solonoid either.
Is it the starter?
During the past couple of weeks, when I go to start the car, I've been getting intermittent problems. I can hear the starter (solonoid) engage and the lights dim. But the engine doesn't turn over.
The first time this happened, I put jumpers on it. It still did the same thing. But a couple of ignition taps later it fired up.
Since then, every time it happens I just hit the key repeatedly until the starter turns over. It may take 6-8 trys but it turns over.
At first I thought the battery was going (it's 3+ years old), but it's starting to seem more like the starter is going bad. I'm not moving my foot (on the clutch) so I don't think it's the clutch switch. Since I can hear a click (and the lights dim), I'm guessing it's not the solonoid either.
Is it the starter?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
It could be the starter, most likely the starter solenoid contacts that switch current to the starter motor. These contacts get badly pitted after use and finally they have too much connection resistance to pass the 100+ amps the starter motor requires. One way to check your battery is to measure the battery voltage at the battery terminals with a voltmeter while attempting a crank. The voltage should not fall below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged, cable connections are not clean and tight or the battery is at the end of its life. You can also determine the state of charge on the battery by measuring the no load voltage on the battery terminals. 12.0 volts and below, discharged. 12.9 volts and above, fully charged and linear in between, example, 12.5 volts, 50% charged.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks! I check that this weekend.
I'm guessing I should check this across the cables then directly across the terminals on the battery (after removing the cables). I assume this would identify any corrosion issues from the cable -- at the battery.
I'm guessing I should check this across the cables then directly across the terminals on the battery (after removing the cables). I assume this would identify any corrosion issues from the cable -- at the battery.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Battery cables need periodic cleaning because they are in close proximity to sulfuric acid and they corrode which increases the connection resistance. Best way is to remove the neg cable first, clean battery terminals and cable lugs and reconnect, neg last. If the battery is below 25% charge (12.25 v), I would charge it up with a battery charger before attempting to crank the engine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Madison Mississippi
Originally Posted by jfb
It could be the starter, most likely the starter solenoid contacts that switch current to the starter motor. These contacts get badly pitted after use and finally they have too much connection resistance to pass the 100+ amps the starter motor requires. One way to check your battery is to measure the battery voltage at the battery terminals with a voltmeter while attempting a crank. The voltage should not fall below 9.0 volts or the battery is discharged, cable connections are not clean and tight or the battery is at the end of its life. You can also determine the state of charge on the battery by measuring the no load voltage on the battery terminals. 12.0 volts and below, discharged. 12.9 volts and above, fully charged and linear in between, example, 12.5 volts, 50% charged.
You are correct, I agree
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 232
Likes: 2
From: Bellevue NE
Bad spot on the starter armature. Replace the starter, or have it rebuilt. If you have it rebuilt, they should be able to put the armature on a "Growler" and determine if there is a bad spot.
My .02
DaveZ.
My .02
DaveZ.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 12
From: Yorktown Heights NY
Had the same problem about a year ago.
Replaced the battery, that wasn't the culprit though
Found out the same problem as noted above. The starter solenoid contacts wear over time with use. Then the starting becomes intermittent and then gets to the point of not starting at all.
What to do?
Why just replace the starter solenoid contacts of course. Cost of parts just about $20.
Our starters are reduction gear Toyota starters...yes, Toyota!
GM won't tell you this though...you have to have the ability to do a little detective work.
BTW, my starter is still cranking just fine....it's a daily driver too!
I'll see if I can find the web link and part numbers for you tomorrow
Couldn't wait.......so here's the link to what you need...even has photos
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/
Replaced the battery, that wasn't the culprit though
Found out the same problem as noted above. The starter solenoid contacts wear over time with use. Then the starting becomes intermittent and then gets to the point of not starting at all.
What to do?
Why just replace the starter solenoid contacts of course. Cost of parts just about $20.
Our starters are reduction gear Toyota starters...yes, Toyota!
GM won't tell you this though...you have to have the ability to do a little detective work.
BTW, my starter is still cranking just fine....it's a daily driver too!
I'll see if I can find the web link and part numbers for you tomorrow
Couldn't wait.......so here's the link to what you need...even has photos
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/
Last edited by 95BLKVette; Jan 15, 2006 at 11:31 PM.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Thanks for the replies
Are the toyota contacts the exact same ones I'd need for my vette?
Also, thanks for the extra test ideas... The problem didn't occur this weekend. I guess I'll start by taking the battery out and up the the local auto parts store for a load test.
Also, thanks for the extra test ideas... The problem didn't occur this weekend. I guess I'll start by taking the battery out and up the the local auto parts store for a load test.