Starting problems
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 0
From: Easton CA
Starting problems
My 92 has developed an intermitent starting problem. After doing a search in here, it looks like I need to replace the starter. Just hoping for a confirmation.
Symtoms:
Most of the time, the car starts immediately when the switch is turned to "crank". The times it doesn't, I can hear a click in the dash and there might be anywhere from a 1/2 second to a 2 second delay in the starter turning over. I checked my battery and there was some corrosion buildup on the positive post. After cleaning the post and the cable with a wire brush, it seemed to clear up the problem. Unfortunately, the problem returned after a couple days. I also noticed that the voltage wasn't looking quite as good as before so I replaced the battery since it was closing in on it's third birthday. I have used this same manufacturer for batteries in all three vehicles; on my wife's car the battery failed in two years, about the same for my pickup. I won't be using them again.
Worked fine for a about 4 days but the hesitation seems to have returned. The clicks behind the dash, if I understand correctly, indicate the VATS are working okay.
Any suggestions before I spring for a new starter? Thanks in advance.
Jim
Symtoms:
Most of the time, the car starts immediately when the switch is turned to "crank". The times it doesn't, I can hear a click in the dash and there might be anywhere from a 1/2 second to a 2 second delay in the starter turning over. I checked my battery and there was some corrosion buildup on the positive post. After cleaning the post and the cable with a wire brush, it seemed to clear up the problem. Unfortunately, the problem returned after a couple days. I also noticed that the voltage wasn't looking quite as good as before so I replaced the battery since it was closing in on it's third birthday. I have used this same manufacturer for batteries in all three vehicles; on my wife's car the battery failed in two years, about the same for my pickup. I won't be using them again.
Worked fine for a about 4 days but the hesitation seems to have returned. The clicks behind the dash, if I understand correctly, indicate the VATS are working okay.
Any suggestions before I spring for a new starter? Thanks in advance.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
I'd go over the wiring again if i was you.... from the alt, batt, and starter... It doesn't really sound like a bad starter to me... The times i've gotten a 'click' like you describe, it was always bad connections (usually at the battery).
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,507
Likes: 0
From: Easton CA
Cleaned them both, they were bright/shiney when I was finished. I'll redo them and see if that helps. While I'm at it, I'll check some other connections just to make sure.
Thanks to both of you.
Thanks to both of you.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 363
Likes: 11
From: St. Catharines Ontario CANADA
Why not get under the car and run a jumper from the positive battery lead to the starter hot terminal and see if she spins consistantly...try it a bunch of times. The problem could be the solenoid too.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 381
Likes: 8
From: NORTH WEST PA
To confirm a bad battery connection turn on your headlights and then try and start the car. I you have a bad battery or ground connection your lights will get very dim or go out completely. I would also check one more thing ... when you turn the key to start the car have someone listen on the right side of you engine. If you hear a sharp clicking sound this would indicate the starter solenoid is engaging but not making the electrical contact necessary to energize the motor.
I had the same problem and eventually pulled the starter and was able to repair it.
Also, if your car is automatic, is the Park Neutral switch going bad? Cycling it in and out of Park or placing it in Neutral may confirm this.
Let me know if you need more information on starter repair.
Here is a post from a few years ago. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=193728
Brian
I had the same problem and eventually pulled the starter and was able to repair it.
Also, if your car is automatic, is the Park Neutral switch going bad? Cycling it in and out of Park or placing it in Neutral may confirm this.
Let me know if you need more information on starter repair.
Here is a post from a few years ago. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=193728
Brian
Last edited by RED92LT1; Aug 29, 2004 at 10:50 AM.
