Intermittent starting problem
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: loves park Illinois
Intermittent starting problem
This has happened a few times. Luckily I've always been home when it has happened. When car won't start I turn the ignition to start it but nothing happens. I have lights ,Hud, Radio, but the car does not turn over. I hear no clickin, grinding nothing. Thought it could be battery so I fully charged it. Same results. After turning ignition switch many times it engaged and started. When turning ignition and it doesn't turn over I did notice the volts dropped all the way down. Please help, I'm afraid to go anywhere for fear I will get stranded. I know you guys will led me in right direction. Thanks Tom
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I have an automatic and had the same problem when i had my radar detector plug sticking out too far and was hitting my shifter keeping it from making contact with the safety switch,if its not all the way in park it wont start, just throwing it out there...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: loves park Illinois
thanks for the response but I have a 6 speed. I've wiggled and moved the shifter but to no avail. On a 6 speed I would think there is a safety to make sure the cltch is fully engaged. Don't know is the wears out or can be adjusted.i
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
sorry bud,but you most probably need a starter.Had exactly the same thing happen-the easiest way to check it for sure is to connect the pos from the battery directly to the starter selenoid (coil).It should engage the starter and if the key is on the car will start.The problem is that's a PITA to do it on the road so I suggest you hook it up in your garage (the wire) and have the other end tacked by the baattery.Next time it happens just touch that end to the positive and it HAS TO engage the starter if the starter is ok.
the good thing is that you can't get stranded in a manual...
the good thing is that you can't get stranded in a manual...
Last edited by wildbadbill; May 21, 2009 at 08:01 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
HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The C5 Starter is just about bullet PROOF! However,,,
,,,,,The solenoid is CRAP! It is a common failure piont. My recommendation is to fine a new starter solenoid and install it. That requires starter removal but you save approx $300. A new solenoid is approx $ 45.
BC
,,,,,The solenoid is CRAP! It is a common failure piont. My recommendation is to fine a new starter solenoid and install it. That requires starter removal but you save approx $300. A new solenoid is approx $ 45. BC
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
On the toeboard. Activated by the clutch pedal when pushed all the way down.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 440
Likes: 7
From: Willow Park Texas
When you turn on the key, does the security light go out?? Pull the BCM codes and see if it says that the pass lock has failed. If so, the ignition switch is not reading the puck in the key. Dirty key puck, dirty contacts in the ignition switch, broken wire. By the way, if it is this, after the first failure, there is a 3 minute wait before it will let you try again.
If it is the ignition switch, you can always just pull the pass key wire off and put in a resistor that is the same resistance as your key and not have to replace the switch.
It could also be the security relay located above the BCM. If you do not have any pass key errors from the BCM, check the voltage on the starter at the solenoid terminal. It should be 12v with the ignition key
all the way over at the start position.
Reb
If it is the ignition switch, you can always just pull the pass key wire off and put in a resistor that is the same resistance as your key and not have to replace the switch.
It could also be the security relay located above the BCM. If you do not have any pass key errors from the BCM, check the voltage on the starter at the solenoid terminal. It should be 12v with the ignition key
all the way over at the start position.
Reb
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
When you turn on the key, does the security light go out?? Pull the BCM codes and see if it says that the pass lock has failed. If so, the ignition switch is not reading the puck in the key. Dirty key puck, dirty contacts in the ignition switch, broken wire. By the way, if it is this, after the first failure, there is a 3 minute wait before it will let you try again.
Reb
Reb
that really weird my car wont start some times but it will every time after 3 mins. how do i figure out what my key res is? and do you know what the color of the wire is i need to put the res on?
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
the good thing about applying the power directly to the solenoid (while experiencing the problem) is that the starter,if good,HAS to crank.You simply bypassing all security gizmos etc.But it has to be done exactly at the time of malfunction.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: loves park Illinois
Robert Earl, you hit it right on the head. I had a broken wire in the ignition switch. My mechanic put a resistor in line that matches up and problem solved. Replacing the switch and keying it the same with the right resistance would have set me back $250 -$300. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
Got stuck in a parking garage.. used a tire iron and whacked the starter
I had a bad spot on the starter. Would just be completely dead.
Whacking it with a tire iron or similar metal rod would get you going.
Replaced the starter after I couldn't find anyone in Wash DC metro area selling parts (brushes, solenoid). Have to drop exhaust to get to it. PITA
BIGHANK
Whacking it with a tire iron or similar metal rod would get you going.
Replaced the starter after I couldn't find anyone in Wash DC metro area selling parts (brushes, solenoid). Have to drop exhaust to get to it. PITA
BIGHANK
