Starter Question
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Joined: Jul 2016
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Starter Question
I am having some difficulty...here is where I am.
2007 C6 6.0 Convertible. Noticed starting issues. Sometimes, when starting the car, it would "click" and do nothing. Cycled on/off a few times and viola, it starts. Sometimes weak...sometimes strong. Put it on the machine at auto parts store, alternator variable voltage...changed alternator (easiest I have ever done BTW). Buttoned back up and took it back to get rechecked. Said everything was Ok...Battery (a little low but checked out), Starter OK, and Alternator OK. Took it on a "spirited run" and after ~20 minutes stopped and same thing..."click" cycled ignition a few times and it starts.
Scanned it and no codes present.
Starter/Battery/or something else going on here?
Many thanks
2007 C6 6.0 Convertible. Noticed starting issues. Sometimes, when starting the car, it would "click" and do nothing. Cycled on/off a few times and viola, it starts. Sometimes weak...sometimes strong. Put it on the machine at auto parts store, alternator variable voltage...changed alternator (easiest I have ever done BTW). Buttoned back up and took it back to get rechecked. Said everything was Ok...Battery (a little low but checked out), Starter OK, and Alternator OK. Took it on a "spirited run" and after ~20 minutes stopped and same thing..."click" cycled ignition a few times and it starts.
Scanned it and no codes present.
Starter/Battery/or something else going on here?
Many thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 315
From: Bridgewater New Jersey
Your going to have to double check cabling connections at the battery, the starter motor, and by the way, these starters are know for melted starter solenoids that could create your issue. Give the cable a tug and make sure it is tight at the soleniod. The bakelite material can crack and loosen the connection resulting in intermittent problems. Also check the ground connection to the block behind the starter.
Oh... and if the battery is marginal I would change it.
These cars need the extra amperage.
GL
Oh... and if the battery is marginal I would change it.
These cars need the extra amperage.
GL
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
It sounds like a somewhat common problem when the solenoid post on the starter has cracked.
If you check the battery cable at the solenoid and find it to wiggle, that's what has happened. Do it at home and only after you've disconnected the negative cable at the battery, since if you wiggle it too far it might become completely disconnected.
If that's the problem, remove the starter and take it to an automotive electrical rebuilder (aka a alternator & starter repair shop) to install a new solenoid. Cost should be around $30-40.
Dealers don't sell solenoids, only new starters with solenoids for $300 or up to $525 if you pay retail.
It's under an hour to R&R on jackstands in your garage. Caution: do not over-tighten the battery cable connection or you'll be repeating the process.
Torque is 50 lb ft for starter to block -- 37 lb in for purple wire on solenoid -- 71 lb in for battery cable to solenoid.
If you check the battery cable at the solenoid and find it to wiggle, that's what has happened. Do it at home and only after you've disconnected the negative cable at the battery, since if you wiggle it too far it might become completely disconnected.
If that's the problem, remove the starter and take it to an automotive electrical rebuilder (aka a alternator & starter repair shop) to install a new solenoid. Cost should be around $30-40.
Dealers don't sell solenoids, only new starters with solenoids for $300 or up to $525 if you pay retail.
It's under an hour to R&R on jackstands in your garage. Caution: do not over-tighten the battery cable connection or you'll be repeating the process.
Torque is 50 lb ft for starter to block -- 37 lb in for purple wire on solenoid -- 71 lb in for battery cable to solenoid.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 70
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You guys are correct!!! Gravity was all that was holding it there. The car was driven a total of 1000 miles over the past year, and me driving it 200 miles home yesterday probably completed the job.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,502
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Please tell me that you just bought a new solenoid, and not a whole new starter.
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quali...iglink20400-20
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quali...iglink20400-20
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 70
Likes: 17
Please tell me that you just bought a new solenoid, and not a whole new starter.
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quali...iglink20400-20
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quali...iglink20400-20
Unfortunately no...I had to get it fixed and couldn't find a solenoid within 100 miles.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I assume you bought a whole starter/solenoid to do a quick replacement. I hope you kept the old one and can order a solenoid to make it a functional spare for future use or to sell as a quick replacement to the next unfortunate LS owner.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,049
Likes: 329
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
Please tell me that you just bought a new solenoid, and not a whole new starter.
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quali...iglink20400-20
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Quali...iglink20400-20
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 70
Likes: 17
Evidently my brain was not working...nope, sure didn't. I was so concerned about getting it fixed I didn't even thing to keep it n repair (but I did look in my area for solenoids with no luck).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
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And FYI, there is no listing for a C6 solenoid replacement in any book, but you just print the number from the link I posted and take it to alternator/starter repair shop, they have them by the boxes to sell you one that way instead.