Starter solenoid short after rain

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Jan 27, 2013 | 04:37 PM

Youngstunta

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Cruising

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 12

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From: Monticello IL

Starter solenoid short after rain

So a while ago I drove my Vette in the rain for the first time on accident (didn't know it was gonna rain) and came home and parked it inside. The next day I get in it and it doesn't start. Just clicks. After expiramenting I figured out it was the solenoid in the starter so I gave it a push start and dumped the clutch to start it. I've only driven it twice since that day, due to illionis weather, but I've been getting in it to start it up and it hasn't failed me again. But in the back of my mind every time I'm going to drive it now I think it's not going to start up. Should I go ahead and replace it or leave it alone because it hasn't happened again. I'm guessing the starter just got wet and shorted out and now since its dried out its fine again.

Jan 27, 2013 | 05:19 PM

Mr.Bill

Race Director

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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion

St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Youngstunta

Click Click Click
Sounds more like a battery issue to me.

Jan 27, 2013 | 05:37 PM

Youngstunta

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 12

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From: Monticello IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Bill

Click Click Click
Sounds more like a battery issue to me.

No it's not. Battery had full charge and I even tried to jump it did not turn over.

Jan 27, 2013 | 07:17 PM

Evil-Twin

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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA

St. Jude Donor '03-'04

Rain should have nothing to do with the car not starting. Millions and millions of cars run in the rain daily and have no problems starting. why not take it to anyone of a number of auto parts stores, where they wil test your charging system including the starter for free. Its very hard to find just a solenoid for C5... people usually replace the starter and solenoid as a unit.. if you decide to get a replacement , make sure you buy a starter with a lifetime gurantee.

Jan 27, 2013 | 08:10 PM

Johnz02Z06

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2009

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From: Everett WA

St. Jude Donor '14

I couldn't tell you why it happened...I live in the Seattle area (rains all of the time here) and daily drive my 2002 Z06 with 76,000 miles everyday and never have any problems. I wouldn't change it because it didn't work just once. This may not be exact science but I would wait until it rains again then go drive it through some small puddles and then back home (in case it dosen't start again). If it dosen't start then I would change it. Maybe some seal for water shrank up on the starter because it never got wet.

Jan 27, 2013 | 08:15 PM

Chicago1

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Rio Rancho NM

Like said before doesn't sound like a starter issue. next time that happens take a long extension and hit the starter see if the solenoid is stuck. Post your codes from the d.i.c

Jan 28, 2013 | 06:46 AM

hoosiervette

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2005

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From: Uniondale IN

St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'16

See what happens when you drive in the rain.

Jan 28, 2013 | 09:00 AM

K-Spaz

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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader

I believe in the Beer Fairy

Battery cables not making good contact will cause a low current issue with a good battery. Clean and reconnect all your battery cables and see if that resolves it. If you're opening battery connections, it's always a good idea to go to the auto parts store and get the goop to put on them so they don't corrode. Should come with felt pads too. Stick that stuff on some nice clean lead and they'll never give you another issue.