Starter Issue??
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Starter Issue??
My 2001 convertible has what I think is a bad starter/solenoid. Every time I try to turn in on, everything works like it should (fuel pump on, gagues, lights are fine), but when turn the key, all I hear is a very loud click from the engine compartment. One click, that's it, and it happens every single time. Not the clutch switch because when I pump the clutch it clicks each time. Every once and a while if I keep trying, it will start. And then it typically won't have the problem for the rest of the day.
Other things to note:
-When it is having this problem, it will not jump start either. (ruled out the battery)
-I've also cleaned what was a very corroded positive battery terminal. No help.
-When it does start on the random times mentioned above, it fires right up with no hesitation.
I've searched the forums up and down for a similar situation, but haven't found a solid diagnoisis for a loud, single click coming from the engine. I've seen the advise to check the ignition switch, but is this the problem for me since I hear this loud click every time? Also, it seems that one cannot replace the solenoid without replacing the entire starter, is this true? I am about to embark on a project to pull/replace the starter but wanted to check here before I do so.
Thanks for any/all help.
Other things to note:
-When it is having this problem, it will not jump start either. (ruled out the battery)
-I've also cleaned what was a very corroded positive battery terminal. No help.
-When it does start on the random times mentioned above, it fires right up with no hesitation.
I've searched the forums up and down for a similar situation, but haven't found a solid diagnoisis for a loud, single click coming from the engine. I've seen the advise to check the ignition switch, but is this the problem for me since I hear this loud click every time? Also, it seems that one cannot replace the solenoid without replacing the entire starter, is this true? I am about to embark on a project to pull/replace the starter but wanted to check here before I do so.
Thanks for any/all help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,456
Likes: 1,165
From: Dyer, IN
My 2001 convertible has what I think is a bad starter/solenoid. Every time I try to turn in on, everything works like it should (fuel pump on, gagues, lights are fine), but when turn the key, all I hear is a very loud click from the engine compartment. One click, that's it, and it happens every single time. Not the clutch switch because when I pump the clutch it clicks each time. Every once and a while if I keep trying, it will start. And then it typically won't have the problem for the rest of the day.
Other things to note:
-When it is having this problem, it will not jump start either. (ruled out the battery)
-I've also cleaned what was a very corroded positive battery terminal. No help.
-When it does start on the random times mentioned above, it fires right up with no hesitation.
I've searched the forums up and down for a similar situation, but haven't found a solid diagnoisis for a loud, single click coming from the engine. I've seen the advise to check the ignition switch, but is this the problem for me since I hear this loud click every time? Also, it seems that one cannot replace the solenoid without replacing the entire starter, is this true? I am about to embark on a project to pull/replace the starter but wanted to check here before I do so.
Thanks for any/all help.
Other things to note:
-When it is having this problem, it will not jump start either. (ruled out the battery)
-I've also cleaned what was a very corroded positive battery terminal. No help.
-When it does start on the random times mentioned above, it fires right up with no hesitation.
I've searched the forums up and down for a similar situation, but haven't found a solid diagnoisis for a loud, single click coming from the engine. I've seen the advise to check the ignition switch, but is this the problem for me since I hear this loud click every time? Also, it seems that one cannot replace the solenoid without replacing the entire starter, is this true? I am about to embark on a project to pull/replace the starter but wanted to check here before I do so.
Thanks for any/all help.
You're killin me bro...that's a little funny. Seriously, don't just start changing parts before doing the appropriate voltage checks. Do you have a DMM and a service manual?
Last edited by lucky131969; Mar 29, 2009 at 02:11 PM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Ive had my starter apart and that sucker is pretty bullet proof. I had a similar issue. Like LUCKY stated, I just didn't start swapping parts. I took voltage readings, cleaned connections, check wires. It turned out to be the solenoid. I could tap on the solenoid when it wouldn't start and it would start every time. Replaced the solenoid and the problem is solved. It cost me $45.
I already had the car apart for my heads cam fast90 up-grade so, removing the starter was easy.
I already had the car apart for my heads cam fast90 up-grade so, removing the starter was easy.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: Lampasas Texas
"Replaced the solenoid and the problem is solved. It cost me $45."
Bill,
Please tell me and others where to get the solenoid for $45. If it turns out to be the trouble of the OP it will help him. I have not found one for myself. I have a good starter with a broken solenoid that I would like to replace. Thanks for the info. Brad
Bill,
Please tell me and others where to get the solenoid for $45. If it turns out to be the trouble of the OP it will help him. I have not found one for myself. I have a good starter with a broken solenoid that I would like to replace. Thanks for the info. Brad
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
Likes: 250
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
i have the same problem only when the car is hot
about the 6th to 9th key turn, clutch pump and a pray, it starts.
i need to fix this
about the 6th to 9th key turn, clutch pump and a pray, it starts.
i need to fix this
Last edited by phils C5 vette; Mar 29, 2009 at 08:42 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
Same year, same issue. I have a warrenty so I went to the shop and told them my solenoid is going bad. They returned the car and said my batt connections were loose. No charge but I bet i'll be back.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Look in your local YELLOW PAGES under "Automotive Electrical" and find a Starter/Alternator repair business. call them and see if they can get you a solenoid. There are around $40-$50.
BC
BC
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
That same symptom can be caused by a loose connection at the solenoid. Check them all, especially the battery cable connection. There have been others that found a loose battery cable.
HTH
HTH
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Northern Delaware
my symptoms on my vette are identical as what you wrote. My problem was the starter solenoid. For a little I thought maybe she had a mind of her own but it turned out to be a $30 solenoid. Fix that and your problems WILL be solved!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: Lampasas Texas
The loose wire connection at the solenoid was what was wrong with mine. I broke the bolt out of the plastic end of the solenoid while I was tightening it. That is why I have a good starter and need a new solenoid. I will check at an Alternator and Starter shop and pick one up. Thanks for the info. I hope that it is this simple for the OP.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Update:
Thanks for all of the advice. I got the car up on jackstands (that was fun) and took a look at the starter. Took off the positive batt cable and the other two on that post, cleaned with a wire brush, and reconnected (and tightened). Started up no problem. Actually, started fine for the next two weeks. I was cautiously optimistic that it may have been the connections. I even drove over 300 miles away and back, and the car started no problem on what must have been 30 occasions in the last few weeks.
Fast forward to this weekend, same old problem. Just the click. After messing around with it and trying a good 10-15 times or more, started. This happened twice.
Guessing it is the solenoid like many have stated. Next step is to pull the starter (since they are basically inseparable on the car - right??) and take it to an auto electric shop to see if they can swap the solenoid.
Thanks again, I'll let you all know how it goes.
Thanks for all of the advice. I got the car up on jackstands (that was fun) and took a look at the starter. Took off the positive batt cable and the other two on that post, cleaned with a wire brush, and reconnected (and tightened). Started up no problem. Actually, started fine for the next two weeks. I was cautiously optimistic that it may have been the connections. I even drove over 300 miles away and back, and the car started no problem on what must have been 30 occasions in the last few weeks.
Fast forward to this weekend, same old problem. Just the click. After messing around with it and trying a good 10-15 times or more, started. This happened twice.
Guessing it is the solenoid like many have stated. Next step is to pull the starter (since they are basically inseparable on the car - right??) and take it to an auto electric shop to see if they can swap the solenoid.
Thanks again, I'll let you all know how it goes.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: Lampasas Texas
Update:
Thanks for all of the advice. I got the car up on jackstands (that was fun) and took a look at the starter. Took off the positive batt cable and the other two on that post, cleaned with a wire brush, and reconnected (and tightened). Started up no problem. Actually, started fine for the next two weeks. I was cautiously optimistic that it may have been the connections. I even drove over 300 miles away and back, and the car started no problem on what must have been 30 occasions in the last few weeks.
Fast forward to this weekend, same old problem. Just the click. After messing around with it and trying a good 10-15 times or more, started. This happened twice.
Guessing it is the solenoid like many have stated. Next step is to pull the starter (since they are basically inseparable on the car - right??) and take it to an auto electric shop to see if they can swap the solenoid.
Thanks again, I'll let you all know how it goes.
Thanks for all of the advice. I got the car up on jackstands (that was fun) and took a look at the starter. Took off the positive batt cable and the other two on that post, cleaned with a wire brush, and reconnected (and tightened). Started up no problem. Actually, started fine for the next two weeks. I was cautiously optimistic that it may have been the connections. I even drove over 300 miles away and back, and the car started no problem on what must have been 30 occasions in the last few weeks.
Fast forward to this weekend, same old problem. Just the click. After messing around with it and trying a good 10-15 times or more, started. This happened twice.
Guessing it is the solenoid like many have stated. Next step is to pull the starter (since they are basically inseparable on the car - right??) and take it to an auto electric shop to see if they can swap the solenoid.
Thanks again, I'll let you all know how it goes.
If you can take the starter off then you will have no trouble changing the solenoid yourself. Save yourself some money and do it yourself.
Good luck with the project.
Boulty
