Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Starting Problem
My '89 is not starting. I have been having battery problems so I drop a new battery in last night. It started but clicked first then started.
Tonight I try and as I turn the key I only get a "clicking"/"snapping" sound. I know this should be Solenoid or Starter but how can I figure this out? If it is the solenoid how could I get it started to get it to the dealer. I have a lifetime contract on a GM starter from the dealer so if it is the starter and I can get it there, they do all the work and replace the starter motor. If it's the solenoid I'll be paying. I can swap out the starter or solenoid bu I'm not 100% sure how to determine which is failing. :confused:
Any idea?
Tonight I try and as I turn the key I only get a "clicking"/"snapping" sound. I know this should be Solenoid or Starter but how can I figure this out? If it is the solenoid how could I get it started to get it to the dealer. I have a lifetime contract on a GM starter from the dealer so if it is the starter and I can get it there, they do all the work and replace the starter motor. If it's the solenoid I'll be paying. I can swap out the starter or solenoid bu I'm not 100% sure how to determine which is failing. :confused:
Any idea?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Starting Problem (Dolfan)
Remove the starter, then you can remove the solenoid and see the condition of the solenoid contacts and you can get the starter tested (maybe by the dealer). Measure the volts between the negative terminal on the battery and the engine block when you crank the engine. This voltage should be less than 0.5 volts or the ground connection is poor and you need to remove it at the frame and clean the negative cable lug and the frame where it connects.
If you have a manual transmission, you can have someone push the car and you can pop the clutch with the ignition on. I did this when one of my starters quit.
If you have a manual transmission, you can have someone push the car and you can pop the clutch with the ignition on. I did this when one of my starters quit.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Trinity FL
Re: Starting Problem (Dolfan)
Check you cables. Sounds like you are still not getting enough cranking power to the starter. Have the battery checked too. I've had new off the shelf batteries with bad cells in them. Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Starting Problem (Dolfan)
To test the solenoid with the starter mounted in the vette, you can by-pass the solenoid by using a heavy duty wire or jumper cable connected to the positive post of the battery, and touching the "large" nut (post) on the starter. You will only need one cable (positive), as the battery is grounded. Otherwise, pull the starter motor out, use jumper cables,and apply 12V to the large positive post on the starter, with the negative cable grounded to the starter case. If the starter spins, the solenoid is faulty. If the starter doesn't spin, replace the whole starter assembly.
If you are going to test the solenoid on the mounted starter motor, take care when that positive cable is connected, as you have a live 12V cable ready to "short", if it comes in contact with any ground.
If you are going to test the solenoid on the mounted starter motor, take care when that positive cable is connected, as you have a live 12V cable ready to "short", if it comes in contact with any ground.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Re: Starting Problem (Oldman)
I just finished trying to see what I get when I jump it, and I get the same thing. I think I can rule out the battery since it's new and I'm jumping to boot.
I looked at the service receipt and it just says replace starter motor not solenoid. I'm surprised that the dealer would put the old solenoid on a new starter and not want to charge for both while there are doing it. If that is true I've got a 6-7 year old starter with a 14 year old solenoid.
Oldman, thanks for the ideas on testing. One question can you even get to the bater post with a wire while it's all mounted on the car. I know it's really tight up there with the tranny lines and stuff? I just replaced the trans filter about 3 weeks ago and saw how tight that space is.
Considering I can't start the car I'm thinking to see if the dealer will honor the lifetime warrenty on the starter if it is the problem and I just bring it in, often time dealer aren't too accomadating. Otherwise I can drop the starter and replace the solenoid from a parts shop and see what that get's me.
The price on the starter was about $350 when I replaced it so I would like them to honor their warrenty if at all possible.
I looked at the service receipt and it just says replace starter motor not solenoid. I'm surprised that the dealer would put the old solenoid on a new starter and not want to charge for both while there are doing it. If that is true I've got a 6-7 year old starter with a 14 year old solenoid.
Oldman, thanks for the ideas on testing. One question can you even get to the bater post with a wire while it's all mounted on the car. I know it's really tight up there with the tranny lines and stuff? I just replaced the trans filter about 3 weeks ago and saw how tight that space is.
Considering I can't start the car I'm thinking to see if the dealer will honor the lifetime warrenty on the starter if it is the problem and I just bring it in, often time dealer aren't too accomadating. Otherwise I can drop the starter and replace the solenoid from a parts shop and see what that get's me.
The price on the starter was about $350 when I replaced it so I would like them to honor their warrenty if at all possible.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Starting Problem (Dolfan)
If you were able to raise (and block) the vette allowing access to the starter from below, then you could run a positive cable to the starter post. It is a two person job, one below trying to touch the starter post, and one with the other end of the cable ready to connect to the positive post of the battery, when you say "go".
The easiest solution is to have the vette towed (flat bed) to your tech/shop, remove and check the starter/solenoid. Assuming a faulty starter: if you have the original warranty receipt that says "lifetime", return the starter for a replacement, and have the tech install the new starter. If the warranty is not honored for some reason, it won't do any good to get angry at people, just make sure you are getting a "straight" story.
The easiest solution is to have the vette towed (flat bed) to your tech/shop, remove and check the starter/solenoid. Assuming a faulty starter: if you have the original warranty receipt that says "lifetime", return the starter for a replacement, and have the tech install the new starter. If the warranty is not honored for some reason, it won't do any good to get angry at people, just make sure you are getting a "straight" story.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Starting Problem (Dolfan)
This thread might provide some guidance for starter removal and prices:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=621701
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=621701
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 0
From: I Hate Tourists FL
Re: Starting Problem (Oldman)
I was recently having the same problem it would click for a time or two and then start. I removed the starter it was a piece of cake 2 bolts and 2 wires but I also have headers so it may be a little different for you. I took it to a shop to be rebuilt and cost me $42 for replacing the contacts in the solenoid compared to $240 for a rebuilt starter for O'Reillys. Havent had a problem since.
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