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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 11:31 AM
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Default C5 Starter Issues

Has anyone else, has issues with their starter, acting up, and periodically not starting? I'm suspecting the heat from the motor and headers. The starter is wrapped completely by the header. Does anyone have the same problem? If so, is there a fix for it? I already have heat tape on the headers. Any help would greatly be appreciated.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 12:18 PM
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Gonna have to be more specific than "acting up"
Nothing happens? Click and no start? Rapid clicking? When were headers put in?
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMcE
Gonna have to be more specific than "acting up"
Nothing happens? Click and no start? Rapid clicking? When were headers put in?
when I turn the key, all the start up test and lights, and fuel pump come on like normal, but no crank or anything. The headers and performance work was done by the previous owner, a friend. It has a big Cam, and procharger supercharger on it. It runs perfectly. But periodically it won't start. Usually after it's been driven for a while.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMcE
Gonna have to be more specific than "acting up"
Nothing happens? Click and no start? Rapid clicking? When were headers put in?
there is no clicking or anything. It's like there is no power at the starter. It doesn't engage or anything.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 01:47 PM
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If no clicking then the issue is upstream from the starter since the relay comes before that.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMcE
If no clicking then the issue is upstream from the starter since the relay comes before that.
where can I find that? And can it be tested?
Thank you for you quick responses!
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 02:02 PM
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if a manual, check the clutch pedal switch ??
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Pounder
if a manual, check the clutch pedal switch ??
it is a manual. But we have already checked and eliminated it. That was my first thought too. But thanks very much.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 02:26 PM
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then next item I would check is the ignition switch !
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Pounder
then next item I would check is the ignition switch !
I believe we have eliminated the ignition switch too. I am interested in looking into the relay possibilities. I need to know where I can find the relay, and how to test it. But thank you for your response.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 03:11 PM
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Your starter relay is located above your fuse box in your passenger footwell compartment. When you turn your key, you should hear a "click" coming from this relay. You should see a red wire, a purple wire, and a yellow/ black stripe wire coming out of the relay. The purple wire is your 12volt feed going to your starter. You can check voltage here to see if you have volts going through your relay and to your starter when you turn the key.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by MrMcE
Your starter relay is located above your fuse box in your passenger footwell compartment. When you turn your key, you should hear a "click" coming from this relay. You should see a red wire, a purple wire, and a yellow/ black stripe wire coming out of the relay. The purple wire is your 12volt feed going to your starter. You can check voltage here to see if you have volts going through your relay and to your starter when you turn the key.
Wow, awesome info. I will check that. Thank you so much for the help. Hope this gives some answers to my issue.
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Old Nov 4, 2021 | 05:03 PM
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The starter relay or TDR as it is called is the first thing to check when a car is experiencing occasional no crank problems. Using a DMM to measure voltages at the TDR will help pin point why the starter is not being energized. They also sell a heat shield blanket for the starter, and it's always advisable to wrap the headers to keep temperatures down in the engine bay.
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Old Nov 24, 2021 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by CaptainBuc
when I turn the key, all the start up test and lights, and fuel pump come on like normal, but no crank or anything. The headers and performance work was done by the previous owner, a friend. It has a big Cam, and procharger supercharger on it. It runs perfectly. But periodically it won't start. Usually after it's been driven for a while.
as Remove the wires from the starter solenoid and sand them with emery cloth till they shine. Apply dielectric grease to wire ends and reinstall and tighten. Went through the same thing with my 03. Good luck.
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Old Nov 24, 2021 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by kh400
as Remove the wires from the starter solenoid and sand them with emery cloth till they shine. Apply dielectric grease to wire ends and reinstall and tighten. Went through the same thing with my 03. Good luck.
Dielectric grease is a non conductor.
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Alley Oop
Dielectric grease is a non conductor.
Use vaseline then. Something to keep it from corroding again. Sheesh.
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 11:49 AM
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kh400, I wasn't trying to be picky but because the electrics are so critical, anything that helps. I'm considering using waterproof marine grease on the grounds. Haven't got around to it yet.
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 01:38 PM
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I use "never-seize" on my grounds !!!
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 04:33 PM
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Dielectric grease will displace where contact is actually made in the connection and hence it does not affect the conductivity of the connection.
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