Won't Start!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
Hi everyone. My 85 suddenly decided not to start today. I had this problem once before but it started about an hour later so I decided that I must have accidentally kicked in the security.
What happens is this: I get power to everything, but when I turn the key to "START" nothing happens. I do notice a drain on the voltage, though.
Hopefully she'll decide to start later today so I can get her home and maybe clean the starter wire contacts, etc.
Any thoughts other than that?
What happens is this: I get power to everything, but when I turn the key to "START" nothing happens. I do notice a drain on the voltage, though.
Hopefully she'll decide to start later today so I can get her home and maybe clean the starter wire contacts, etc.
Any thoughts other than that?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Sounds like a poor battery terminal connection. Remove the battery cables and clean them and the battery terminals so they are bright and clean. go buy the 5/8" BIG brass battery terminal bolts and throw the GM 5/16" wimpy bolts away.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, Tn. 37211 TN.
Check your battery connections and clean then go to the starter. It sounds like your problem may be the starter. Also a almost dead battery will act as you describe. Enough power to turn on the lights but not enough amps to crank. Can you jump start the car? Does it start if you run it awhile and cut it off then restart it?
Let us know what you find.
Let us know what you find.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
Thanks for the replies jfb and Camvette. Over lunch today I went out and cleaned the battery and the solenoid contacts. The solenoid nut was a little loose, but I did verify that current was present in the stud, so I doubt that was the problem. In any event, when I hooked everything up, same result.
The battery was new 18 months ago. It showed 11.8 V when I tried to start it (though after leaving the hood up for awhile and trying to start it several times, the voltage is now closer to 9). Maybe I just need a jump now that I've cleaned the contacts. Still, I would expect to hear a clicking sound out of the solenoid if that were the case . . . but I'm hearing nothing.
I'm suspecting the solenoid itself now. It's blistering hot today and my theory is that the heat over the parking lot (probably in excess of 140 degrees F) is making it act up.
Any further thoughts?
Jon
The battery was new 18 months ago. It showed 11.8 V when I tried to start it (though after leaving the hood up for awhile and trying to start it several times, the voltage is now closer to 9). Maybe I just need a jump now that I've cleaned the contacts. Still, I would expect to hear a clicking sound out of the solenoid if that were the case . . . but I'm hearing nothing.
I'm suspecting the solenoid itself now. It's blistering hot today and my theory is that the heat over the parking lot (probably in excess of 140 degrees F) is making it act up.
Any further thoughts?
Jon
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
88L98, the 85 doesn't have VATS (thankfully). But I did initially suspect a security issue. Now I doubt that, though because the IP dims considerably when I turn the key. That would tend to indicate that the car is trying to start but the solenoid or starter isn't working.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Your battery is greatly discharged and cannot supply the 100+ amps the starter motor requires. With monster jumper cables , you might jump start it, or better, jump it from a running car for 15 minutes , then try to start it. Jumps are to assist the battery not take its place. Charge your battery at least overnight and it might start on its own. Your low battery voltage is the indicator that it is discharged. If you have a Delco with the round window, you will see that it is not green, also showing that it is discharged.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
jfb, you were right. The battery was discharged so much that even when the outside temperature cooled the car wouldn't start.
But she started right up with a jump, and started a couple of times later that night (1x at gas station and 1x at home when I moved it.)
I'm still not sure of the root cause, but it looks to me like the solenoid, especially after reading some of the posts here complaining of similar issues.
Is there any way to know for sure if it's the starter itself or the solenoid? Does anyone know if the solenoid can be replaced separately from the starter? Is this a big job?
Jon
But she started right up with a jump, and started a couple of times later that night (1x at gas station and 1x at home when I moved it.)
I'm still not sure of the root cause, but it looks to me like the solenoid, especially after reading some of the posts here complaining of similar issues.
Is there any way to know for sure if it's the starter itself or the solenoid? Does anyone know if the solenoid can be replaced separately from the starter? Is this a big job?
Jon
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Yes you can buy a replacement solenoid. Goes for about $15.00 or so. However I suggest you do as jfb suggested, an overnight charge then I would have it tested. Most parts stores will test both the battery and the alternator while in the car and do it for free. Good luck.