Starter Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
Starter Question
Hey guys. I have a 1996 LT4. My car randomly every now and then has been clicking and not turning over. I try again and it finally starts. I think its my solenoid/starter going dead. Is there a way to buy and just replace the solenoid for our starters or do I have to buy a whole starter. Where can I find these pieces if need be and what brand? Bosch? Thanks in advance guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I 'm not really sure if that part is available or not but many will tell you to replace the whole starter because it will just go bad in the future. Wouldn’t' you know I did the solenoid in out Firebird years ago and the darn starter went bad in not to long a time. I couldn't believe the JINKS got me. So now I don't mess around and put in the new starter. Besides, will probably not have to do it again and it has a life time guarantee on it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The starter solenoid can be replaced in your starter. You can buy one at any parts store, or you can find an auto electrical shop to sell you the solenoid, or have them replace it. First you would need to determine if it is bad. Most often the copper contacts that the solenoid forces into contact at the end of its stroke that switches current to the starter motor get pitted and stop making reliable connection needs replacing and those parts are also replaceable. First I would remove your battery cables from the battery (neg first) and clean the cable lugs, battery posts, and the bolts and replace (neg last). You have symptoms of a poor battery connection and this is easier to do than removing the starter and repairing it.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Madison WI
Do a search on the web for Nippondenso starter repair and you will find several places that sell just the contacts and plunger. I sanded down my plunger and found the contacts for $10 locally at an auto electric repair shop. I did this repair on my 94 a year ago and it's been working perfect. These Japanese starters seem to last forever. My car has 146,000 on it. I had the same problem on my 90 and I just filed them smooth again and that one worked for 6 months before a guy ran a red light and destroyed my car. Don't waste your money on a new starter unless you are afraid to change the parts. One of the sites I found had instructions on how to change the parts and what tools you need.
