Electrical gremlins and hard starting
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 70
Likes: 3
Electrical gremlins and hard starting
I have a 98 Convertible with 6700 miles on it. I had dead battery troubles last year and bought new Optima battery and leave it on a battery tender when getting regular use. This eliminated my troubles for several months. the car had been leech tested and showed all modules shutting down correctly and not reawakening.
But now I seem to be developing electrical gremlins. My battery tender shows a full charge, and when driving the DIC shows the alternator charging fine, but when I go to start the car, the starter solenoid clicks like a low battery but then the engine will slowly turn over and start most of the time. i can drive for 15 minutes, then after sitting for an hour, the solenoid still clicks 1st when trying to start. tonight i noticed that on regular intervals, the lights, both exterior and interior will dim for a second then go back to normal during driving. this happens at regular 5 to 10 second intervals. does this sound like voltage regulator going bad, or starter solenoid? any insight would be great!
But now I seem to be developing electrical gremlins. My battery tender shows a full charge, and when driving the DIC shows the alternator charging fine, but when I go to start the car, the starter solenoid clicks like a low battery but then the engine will slowly turn over and start most of the time. i can drive for 15 minutes, then after sitting for an hour, the solenoid still clicks 1st when trying to start. tonight i noticed that on regular intervals, the lights, both exterior and interior will dim for a second then go back to normal during driving. this happens at regular 5 to 10 second intervals. does this sound like voltage regulator going bad, or starter solenoid? any insight would be great!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
After testing the battery and if its good, check the battery to starter cable and insure its tight. Don't forget its electrically hot. There is also the possibility the solenoid is dying. 6700 miles on a 98, you aren't driving it enough to keep it running properly.
