Wierd Starting Problem?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
Wierd Starting Problem?
The last 2 mornings in a row, my 90 didn't want to start (crank over) right away till about 3 or 4 tries. I leave the battery tender on it when not in use, so I know the battery is charged.
Had the battery(1 year old), alternator and stater checked at Napa Auto Parts and everything checked out good.
What could be causing this? Starter Solenoid or relay?
After I initially get it started, it starts everytime!
Had the battery(1 year old), alternator and stater checked at Napa Auto Parts and everything checked out good.
What could be causing this? Starter Solenoid or relay?
After I initially get it started, it starts everytime!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Battery could be charged, but the cable end to the starter could be corroded. Remove the positive cable from the batt, clean, if necessary, and tighten firmly. May not solve your problem, but you have eliminated a fault source.
If cleaning the cable end doesn't solve the problem, continue down the positive cable, and clean the terminal at the solenoid.
If that doesn't fix the problem, jump the solenoid to the starter. If jumping starts the motor, the solenoid could be your problem.
If cleaning the cable end doesn't solve the problem, continue down the positive cable, and clean the terminal at the solenoid.
If that doesn't fix the problem, jump the solenoid to the starter. If jumping starts the motor, the solenoid could be your problem.
Last edited by don hall; May 5, 2013 at 06:09 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Starter is readily accessible.
Some reading material that may help: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...ter-relay.html
Last edited by don hall; May 5, 2013 at 07:37 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
Well I didn't have to take her in this morning, she cranked right up!
I did still take off the battery cables and cleaned them both, the positive was a little dirty, but not bad.
I did notice the dimmer switch was in the full up position, maybe that is what drained the battery?
The only other thing I did different was install the rear hatch vent, but the lights were all off when I closed it?
Anyway, she runs fine now!
I did still take off the battery cables and cleaned them both, the positive was a little dirty, but not bad.
I did notice the dimmer switch was in the full up position, maybe that is what drained the battery?
The only other thing I did different was install the rear hatch vent, but the lights were all off when I closed it?
Anyway, she runs fine now!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Well I didn't have to take her in this morning, she cranked right up!
I did still take off the battery cables and cleaned them both, the positive was a little dirty, but not bad.
I did notice the dimmer switch was in the full up position, maybe that is what drained the battery?
The only other thing I did different was install the rear hatch vent, but the lights were all off when I closed it?
Anyway, she runs fine now!
I did still take off the battery cables and cleaned them both, the positive was a little dirty, but not bad.
I did notice the dimmer switch was in the full up position, maybe that is what drained the battery?
The only other thing I did different was install the rear hatch vent, but the lights were all off when I closed it?
Anyway, she runs fine now!
Yes, if the dimmer switch was in the 'up' position, there will be an extended battery drain (10 minutes), but the lights are turned off after that period of time.
Thanks for reporting back with results.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
I wouldn't think 10 min would drain the battery to the point it wouldn't start would it? I guess every time I opened the door another 10 minutes on hugh!
I'm not sure what the cause was, but I'm glad she works again!
I'm not sure what the cause was, but I'm glad she works again!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Since the batt is only 1 year old, and always on a tender, there should not be any drop in charge. I'm aware you had it tested.
If you experience battery failure in the future while still using a tender, there is an electrical problem.... more likely a faulty batt,
or an amp draw exceeding the charging rate of the tender.
It is possible that a 'poor' batt cable connection would not carry the charge from the tender, consequently, you experienced a failed batt. The same would affect the alternator charge. The batt may not have been receiving a complete recharge.
Normally, a batt test includes a 'load' test. If that wasn't performed, it should be the next time.
It would be interesting to learn what the digital volt reading you see on start-up (14.5V+ normal) for about 5+ minutes.
Last edited by don hall; May 6, 2013 at 08:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
Yes, they did a load test at Napa Auto Parts. On start up the volts wer 14.7. He had me turn on the head lights, heater ect and the volts were at 12.7 I think? Any way he said everything was fine!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Was the alternator removed and load tested, also?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
A corroded pos cable will cause all this...
you cannot see inside it, and it may work fine for weeks at a time until that day where it just will not carry the amperage to throw the solenoid.
A dirty/dying solenoid will also do all this...the solenoid contacts get burnt, then as you turn the key the voltage might flow but the contacts are too dirty to conduct. new solenoid or at least a disassembly to clean and inspect.
For a few minutes after start up your gauge should show at least 14.0 volts...at least that. Then after the initial drain has been replaced, it should settle in the 13s depending on what accessories are running and rpm.
you cannot see inside it, and it may work fine for weeks at a time until that day where it just will not carry the amperage to throw the solenoid.
A dirty/dying solenoid will also do all this...the solenoid contacts get burnt, then as you turn the key the voltage might flow but the contacts are too dirty to conduct. new solenoid or at least a disassembly to clean and inspect.
For a few minutes after start up your gauge should show at least 14.0 volts...at least that. Then after the initial drain has been replaced, it should settle in the 13s depending on what accessories are running and rpm.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: Illinois/Wisconsin Line
The last 2 mornings in a row, my 90 didn't want to start (crank over) right away till about 3 or 4 tries. I leave the battery tender on it when not in use, so I know the battery is charged.
Had the battery(1 year old), alternator and stater checked at Napa Auto Parts and everything checked out good.
What could be causing this? Starter Solenoid or relay?
After I initially get it started, it starts everytime!
Had the battery(1 year old), alternator and stater checked at Napa Auto Parts and everything checked out good.
What could be causing this? Starter Solenoid or relay?
After I initially get it started, it starts everytime!
u could of overcharged ur battery water out. If u ve been doing this for a while.
Check ur battery water level
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
How do you check the water level of a sealed battery? Virtually 100% of the batteries made today are sealed and shouldn't be opened (if you can even do it).
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,796
Likes: 14
From: Nampa Idaho
I only use my battery tender when I work my 4 12's, then I leave it off when I 'm off for 4 days. The security system is always draining your battery a little bit when you don't drive it.
Like Cliff said it's fully automatic and won't hurt your battery, just keeps it fully charged at all times.
Like Cliff said it's fully automatic and won't hurt your battery, just keeps it fully charged at all times.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 5
From: Illinois/Wisconsin Line
Never heard of that before Anyways here is a video of topping off ur sealed battery if u dont mind staring at a blonds butt bening over an engine compartment
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PLSztkJGqE
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PLSztkJGqE