Rock Auto is another place to check for a good price.
Starting Problems
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Starting Problems
2008 C6 base coupe with approximately 52k miles
When I hit the starter button all the lights go out and nothing happens, it's as if the battery were no longer connected. After a few seconds the lights come back on and I can try again. Sometimes it starts on the second try, but other times two or three attempts.
My first thought is that it was time for a new battery, but that didn't help. Once I am driving down the road the voltage shows 14.1 - 14.3 volts, so I know it's charging.
Any thoughts?
When I hit the starter button all the lights go out and nothing happens, it's as if the battery were no longer connected. After a few seconds the lights come back on and I can try again. Sometimes it starts on the second try, but other times two or three attempts.
My first thought is that it was time for a new battery, but that didn't help. Once I am driving down the road the voltage shows 14.1 - 14.3 volts, so I know it's charging.
Any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
These are classic symptoms of a bad battery. The 14.1-14.3 that you are seeing on the DIC is the voltage being produced by the alternator...it means that there is enough voltage to charge the battery, not that the battery is actually taking that charge. I would load test the battery..anyplace that sells batteries can do this. The voltage alone is not important...it is the voltage that the battery can maintain against a large load that is important.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
The first thing I did was to replace the battery and it didn't make any difference. I also checked the charging voltage as a way of verifying the charging system was working. My brand new battery has 12.6 volts before I hit the key, so I think I can eliminate the battery as the source of the problem
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 21,502
Likes: 461
From: Southern Utah
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Well I found the problem, a broken starter solenoid. The post for the battery cable was completly broken off.
I haven't had any luck finding just a solenoid and our local Chevy dealer wants $495 for a rebuilt starter. He said he couldn't even find a part number for a new starter.
As expensive as it is I do at least feel better knowing what it is.
I haven't had any luck finding just a solenoid and our local Chevy dealer wants $495 for a rebuilt starter. He said he couldn't even find a part number for a new starter.
As expensive as it is I do at least feel better knowing what it is.
SUBVETTE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 93
From: San Diego CA
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