Deterrent relay or starter?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Madison Wisconsin
Deterrent relay or starter?
Car finally wont start 
. When I turn the key I hear a click. Have no idea what it is. We just popped the clutch and the car started that way. I don't want to invest a lot of money into a starter if that is not the problem. For some reason I think it is though. I don't have a voltmeter to measure the voltage of any wires. Anything I can do?
. When I turn the key I hear a click. Have no idea what it is. We just popped the clutch and the car started that way. I don't want to invest a lot of money into a starter if that is not the problem. For some reason I think it is though. I don't have a voltmeter to measure the voltage of any wires. Anything I can do?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
A few possibilities ....
1) weak battery
2) bad starter
3) wiring to starter is loose
First thing I'd do is see if there are any codes posted in the computers. If nothing posted, then next time you try to start the car and all you get is a click, try a jump start. Usually, though, a low battery will cause you to hear a series of clicks, not just one.
I'd next check the wiring to the starter .... BE CAREFUL, the starter is directly connected to the battery so either disconnect the battery before checking the wiring, or be very aware that there is a hot wire that you don't want to ground.
There are several posts by Bill Curlee on wiring issues to the starter.
If the Theft Deterrent system was causing the no start, you would not have been able to keep the engine running after starting it by popping the clutch. Unlikely you have a Theft Deterrent issue, but again, the codes will tell ....
1) weak battery
2) bad starter
3) wiring to starter is loose
First thing I'd do is see if there are any codes posted in the computers. If nothing posted, then next time you try to start the car and all you get is a click, try a jump start. Usually, though, a low battery will cause you to hear a series of clicks, not just one.
I'd next check the wiring to the starter .... BE CAREFUL, the starter is directly connected to the battery so either disconnect the battery before checking the wiring, or be very aware that there is a hot wire that you don't want to ground.
There are several posts by Bill Curlee on wiring issues to the starter.
If the Theft Deterrent system was causing the no start, you would not have been able to keep the engine running after starting it by popping the clutch. Unlikely you have a Theft Deterrent issue, but again, the codes will tell ....
Last edited by BlackZ06; Jan 29, 2008 at 01:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Madison Wisconsin
No codes. This happened to me before and my reasons for doubting the battery to be the issue is me and my brother tried to jump start my car with jumper cables and no go. So does that leave me with the starter? I even had him rev his car up and absolutely nothing. Anybody know a cheap place to get a starter from?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
No codes. This happened to me before and my reasons for doubting the battery to be the issue is me and my brother tried to jump start my car with jumper cables and no go. So does that leave me with the starter? I even had him rev his car up and absolutely nothing. Anybody know a cheap place to get a starter from?
For a "cheap" starter .... next post .....
Last edited by BlackZ06; Jan 29, 2008 at 03:20 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Napa Auto Parts lists the "cheapest" re-built starter at $144.00 (Part number RAY2465126)
The GM part number for the starter for a 1999 is 10465385 - not clear if this is new or also re-built .... list price is $360.47 but places such as ...
http://www.gmpartshouse.com
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
should carry it for about 1/2 that price. Check other auto parts suppliers (Pep Boys, Kragen, etc.) that may be local to you.
The GM part number for the starter for a 1999 is 10465385 - not clear if this is new or also re-built .... list price is $360.47 but places such as ...
http://www.gmpartshouse.com
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
should carry it for about 1/2 that price. Check other auto parts suppliers (Pep Boys, Kragen, etc.) that may be local to you.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Vince -- If we have to go that route, I can get you a rebuilt starter at AZ for $155, or a brand new one for $170.
It's either going to be the wiring or the starter itself. I would be surprised if the wiring came loose given I cranked them down pretty good, but anything can happen. Just come on over to my place on Saturday like we talked about and I'll get you set straight.
It's either going to be the wiring or the starter itself. I would be surprised if the wiring came loose given I cranked them down pretty good, but anything can happen. Just come on over to my place on Saturday like we talked about and I'll get you set straight.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: North Las Vegas Nevada
Did you check the relay in the fuse box under hood? Mine went bad, but I can't recall if I got a click or nothing at all! Might have been nothing at all! My memory is not like it used to be! 
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Fort Wayne IN
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Vince's car is fixed guys. He brought it by this morning. The starter solenoid was obviously clicking when he keyed it, but the starter itself wasn't doing anything. After some poking around, I took a VERY close look (as good as possible through the big Kooks headers at least) while he keyed it and noticed that the solenoid connection to the starter arced when he hit the key. Pulled a couple of plug wires and snaked my hand down around the back of the header to the bolt and sure enough, the one bolt that never gets touched was loose. Couple of long socket extensions later coupled with a u-joint and 13mm socket and the car fires up on it's own again!
I for one am tremendously glad it was just that bolt, because unbolting a header to R&R a starter isn't my idea of "fun" car work. I just am amazed that the ONE bolt that no one ever has to loosen or tighten is the one that came loose for some reason. Just mind boggling.
I for one am tremendously glad it was just that bolt, because unbolting a header to R&R a starter isn't my idea of "fun" car work.
I just am amazed that the ONE bolt that no one ever has to loosen or tighten is the one that came loose for some reason. Just mind boggling.
Thanks for the help buddy!
