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What are the symptoms of a bad starter?

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Old 10-16-2002, 12:01 AM
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VQT88Vette
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Default What are the symptoms of a bad starter?

Can you tell me what indication that I need a new starter? The battery is new so that's out of the way.
All I got with ignition on is a click from the starter. Sometime after trying many time the car actually turn over and started. Is this a starter problem ar is it grounding issues?
I ask about grounding because I just put the engine in a few weeks ago and at that time I didn't even have any click from the starter until the starter connections were cleaned along with the engine block base where the starter mate to the engine.

Thanks,
Old 10-16-2002, 12:31 AM
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JF_AH_64
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (VQT88Vette)

That is the exact same thing that happened with my vette a little while back it would click once and not start, but if i kept tryin it would eventually start up. I replaced the starter and haven't had any problems since. Good luck.
Old 10-16-2002, 12:31 AM
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vader86
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (VQT88Vette)

sounds like the starter to me
Old 10-16-2002, 12:34 AM
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VQT88Vette
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (JF_AH_64)

That is the exact same thing that happened with my vette a little while back it would click once and not start, but if i kept tryin it would eventually start up. I replaced the starter and haven't had any problems since. Good luck.
:cry More money :cry I ran out this year budget already :rolleyes:
Old 10-16-2002, 12:46 AM
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LaVidaLoca
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (VQT88Vette)

LOL couldn't resist;

My wife reads the forum over my shoulder (cool huh?) She said I know the answer to that one!

Symptoms of a bad starter = He fires the gun AFTER the race has started.

Oh well. She is TRYING to learn more about vettes. :lol:
Old 10-16-2002, 01:38 AM
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VQT88Vette
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (LaVidaLoca)

LOL couldn't resist;

My wife reads the forum over my shoulder (cool huh?) She said I know the answer to that one!

Symptoms of a bad starter = He fires the gun AFTER the race has started.

Oh well. She is TRYING to learn more about vettes. :lol:
:eek: :rolleyes: :lol: :cry
Old 10-16-2002, 09:45 AM
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DaveD
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (VQT88Vette)

It could also be the solenoid itself. On some cars you can replace just that part. I have had bad starters where the real problem was the commutator on the starter was wore down and the brushes don't make good contact. That does require a new starter though. Bang on the starter with a pipe/hammer while someone holds the key in the start position. If it starts to run its the starter for sure. (banging hard makes the whole thing vibrate a little and the brushes may make contact, if thats the problem)
Old 10-16-2002, 10:04 AM
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Rynda
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (DaveD)

You might try jumping around the solenoid with a set of jumper cables. If the starter whirls over smartly, you definatly have a bad solenoid.
Old 10-16-2002, 11:02 AM
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rockken_vette
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Default Re: What are the symptoms of a bad starter? (VQT88Vette)

I'd say it was the starter also. Mine did the same thing for a long time.

I thought I could just limp it along, since by turning the key enough times it would eventually start, till that one time I started it and the starter wouldn't disengage. I turned the key off and the started just kept cranking her over. I had to put the brake on, take it out of gear, and run in the house for a 5/16 wrench to disconnect the battery. I'm lucky the whole car didn't burn up. Things got a bit warm.

I actually bought the new starter from Chevy directly, b/c they didn't need a core, and were only $5 more than NAPA.

Ken
Old 02-08-2016, 05:54 PM
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tomaspuigjane
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Default Bad starter?

I have a 96 corvette. couple of days ago my car wouldn't start on the first try. I would have to turn the key to off then on again and it would start. now the car doesn't start at all. it makes a loud click. chould that be the starter??


Also when ever its cold. (south florida cold) sometimes it would make a grinding noise. only when its cold.


Lastly the dash tells me that the voltage is 11.6. and when I close the doors and turn everything off. the votage goes up a little. is that normal?? also when I disconnect the battery the voltage is 12.3.
Old 02-09-2016, 01:27 AM
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Cliff Harris
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Clicking solenoids are a common symptom of a bad (low) battery or loose battery cables. Check the battery cable connections (BOTH ends).

Note that the starter solenoid is grounded through the starter windings, so there might be a loose connection inside the starter.
Old 02-09-2016, 09:43 AM
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93Rubie
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Holy thread resurrection, Batman! Its only 14 years old.
Old 02-09-2016, 10:30 AM
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Probably bought a new starter by now.
Old 02-09-2016, 07:13 PM
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tomaspuigjane
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Thanks. I will check the cables on both ends. what I said about the battery voltage. that when connected the voltage ranges from 11.6 to 11.9 depending on what I have on in the car. Then when I disconnect the battery the voltage is 12.3.
Old 02-10-2016, 04:36 AM
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Hawaii89vette
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Originally Posted by tomaspuigjane
Thanks. I will check the cables on both ends. what I said about the battery voltage. that when connected the voltage ranges from 11.6 to 11.9 depending on what I have on in the car. Then when I disconnect the battery the voltage is 12.3.

Those voltages are normal. The battery should be around 12.8 volts without any draw. The dash voltage is usually off by .5 volt or so. With load it drops below 12volts. I think it sounds like a bad starter.
Old 02-10-2016, 08:29 AM
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john6277
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Originally Posted by JF_AH_64
That is the exact same thing that happened with my vette a little while back it would click once and not start, but if i kept tryin it would eventually start up. I replaced the starter and haven't had any problems since. Good luck.
95 coupe, torch red. I've done the same with no problems for 6 months and then click click a few times each day. Turns out it was a battery that was only 1 1/2 years old but did not pass the load test and was replaced. All is well again. Love this Vette

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