Ignition issues before and after new starter
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Ignition issues before and after new starter
Car began having intermittent starting issues but would always start after a few minutes until over the course of a week the issue was happening more often than not. Eventually came the day it took about an hour to get going again. After that I installed a new starter and that night it started repeatedly and drove just fine, then the next morning it starts one more time before conking out again. After charging the battery, double checking/cleaning the connections, and putting some dielectric grease since it was raining the car now doesn't even crank, no noise when turning key. Any help on what the issue could be would be greatly appreciated this is the only vehicle I own atm and I am tired of bumming rides to work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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Says he has a base model '90 on his profile page.
OP, do you get any power at all when you turn the key, even on a charged battery?
OP, do you get any power at all when you turn the key, even on a charged battery?
Last edited by Natty C; Jan 20, 2026 at 01:58 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Chapel Hill NC
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Dielectric grease does not conduct electricity. Id clean it off the CONTACT surface of anywhere you put. Id also have an auto parts store test the battery.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Electrical for the car turns on, battery was charged through a wall trickle charger before trying to start. In fact, after charging the battery and reinstalling it is when the car ceased to even crank. And no dielectric between contacts. I meant I cleaned the starters battery contacts off then reinstalled them and THEN smeared dielectric grease around the connection to waterproof it since it's under the car. I will see if I can get the battery tested tomorrow during work 👍
