Need advise quick!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40
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Need advise quick!
My '01 M6 coupe doesn't start sometimes. I turn the key and I hear one click coming from the engine compartment. Then after a few more trys and a few minutes later, it will start right up. This has been happening for a week or so. If it were the chip on my key not working correctly, I don't think I would hear the click, right? Or, if it was the clutch switch, I still would not hear the click coming from the engine, right? I need to know if you guys think it could be the starter or solenoid. Taking it in today for warranty work and need to know ASAP.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
I'd check your battery connections and your battery. Your battery may not have the cranking power it once had, which would allow all of your accessories to work, but the motor not to fire. Since it is intermitent, I would check your connections to make sure they were tight and that there is no corrosion. Since you are hearing a click, your solenoid is engaging, just your starter is not. My $0.02. Good luck!! 
90% of the time these kind of problems involve the battery. And that is an easy thing to check out even if it turns out to be something else...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40
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Suspected the battery as the problem so I replaced the Delco with Optima Red Top. Cleaned the connections and checked for corosion. Still won't start all the time. Question: If I hear a click, does that mean the solenoid is working? I have an extended warranty and the Dealership won't replace the starter under warranty unless they actually witness the problem. He said if they replace the starter and it still has problems, the Warranty company might reject future claims to fix the problem. Of course, it cranked right up for the technician everytime. Any advise would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 35
From: Folsom Lake CA
Sounds like a starter to me. Ever noticed if it's constant under certain temps? That might help you be able to "demonstrate" the problem. You might want to have it towed to the dealership the next time it happens. Oh, and if it's a stick and it gets "stuck", try rocking the car back and forth while in gear. If that frees it up you know the starter gear is binding on the flywheel.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40
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Originally Posted by MrLeadFoot
Sounds like a starter to me. Ever noticed if it's constant under certain temps? That might help you be able to "demonstrate" the problem. You might want to have it towed to the dealership the next time it happens. Oh, and if it's a stick and it gets "stuck", try rocking the car back and forth while in gear. If that frees it up you know the starter gear is binding on the flywheel.
