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So after hours of research I've finally decided to post my question because it seems like nobody has experienced my problem. Apparently my starter has become brittle and weak from having American Racing Headers because the positive connection to the starter solenoid wiggles around. My friend has to hold it still to start the car (even after trying to tighten it up) But even after the car fires up the voltage that reads on the gauge is low (11.7 - 13.8 volts). It fluctuates depending on if i'm driving or it's in idle and which accessories i have on in the car. I noticed when the A/C is on the voltage definitely drops. So would this low voltage be caused by the loose connection on the starter? or a weak alternator? or both? I had the battery tested and it came back strong. Alternator was tested and Autozone said it's bad, but could that be from the problem at the starter? I'm just trying to figure out if i should start the process of ordering a new alternator just in case replacing the solenoid on the starter doesn't fix it 100%. Also, there's a burning smell coming from the engine once it warms up, smells like burning plastic which has never happened until this problem started.
Oh, i have a 2007 M6 supercharged Z51 with american racing headers and BB exhaust.
Having a loose post at the starter solenoid has been known to cause issues of starting, charging etc,
If nothing else, a new starter solenoid is a must.. That should solve the issues that you are having.
Here is a charging schematic showing it does go through the starter solenoid.
Good Luck
Having a loose post at the starter solenoid has been known to cause issues of starting, charging etc,
If nothing else, a new starter solenoid is a must.. That should solve the issues that you are having.
Here is a charging schematic showing it does go through the starter solenoid.
Good Luck
Thank you for the help! I'll order a new solenoid today then and hope that takes care of everything.
**Update**
So i installed the new solenoid today and I'm still getting the service charging system error. I think i'm just gonna learn to live with it. The car runs fine with all the accessories on.
It was a headache trying to figure out how to replace the solenoid without instructions or a guide. All i was able to find on the forum was a brief explanation on removing two bolts, two electrical connections, and the header. No one mentioned that tiny torx bit i'll need to remove the solenoid. haha so that complicated things a little bit but it was a good experience.
Large starter wire is battery 12 volt for charging system. With the solenoid wire loose you get no starter. And power for other ACCs come from solenoid (No power).
Having replaced solenoid, now need to have codes cleared. Done at most auto parts stores.
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Starter/ Electrical Problems
