Urgent! Starter ???

The Critic · May 7, 2007

It seems like my Saturn wants to start about once every twelve tries. It got a lot worse today.

I turn the key, and just hear the solenoid engage, once. Click.

That's all that happens. Each time I turn the key, that's all I get. Connection is fine at the battery, everything seems tight.

Is it really a starter???I'm about to run out right now and pick-up an Autolite Platinum starter and slap it on as I'm getting worried...

Thanks.

97f150 · May 7, 2007

Why dont you check your connections at the starter and solenoid?

another Todd · May 7, 2007

Run a test light to the lug on the solenoid where the heavy wire going into the actual starter motor resides. Have someone turn the key to start. If the solenoid clicks and that lug is energised (test light lights up) then bad starter. If the solenoid clicks and the test light does not light up, then bad solenoid (or bad test light). Careful with the test light around the solenoid---touch a hot and ground at the same time with the probe and it gets exciting. Good luck

The Critic · May 7, 2007

I don't have a test light, so what are my other options just short of tearing out the starter and having it bench tested?

another Todd · May 7, 2007

Buy or borrow one. Best answer I can give. Or remove for bench test. Either starter or solenoid bound to be bad since you hear it click. My bet is starter, and the replacement often comes with a new solenoid. Before you remove the starter-DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL.

The Critic · May 7, 2007

Which one should I get?

OEM? (100k miles, and that's it)

Duralast Gold? $149.99

Autolite PRO? $169.99 (but maybe 25% discount if I can find my coupon)

another Todd · May 7, 2007

I usually get the cheapest one that has a lifetime warrantee, from any major auto parts chain near me. PB, Kragen, or AZ.

another Todd · May 7, 2007

By the way, It seems brands change so fast these days you really never know what you are getting. An awesome brand today could be a junk brand in six months. You just don't know.

SrDriver · May 7, 2007

You should have a rebuild shop in the area where you could have your checked and rebuilt for much less than buying a replacement?

csavvy · May 7, 2007

I just replaced the starter on my Infiniti J30. I bought a used one from a junkyard for $25. It's hit or miss, but I think I did well for $25. I used this search engine: http://www.partshotlines.com

kgb007stb · May 7, 2007

Quote:

Is it really a starter???I'm about to run out right now and pick-up an Autolite Platinum starter and slap it on as I'm getting worried...

Thanks.

Your starter decided to speak to you a week ago when you posted a “click no start” problem. At the time I cautioned against a worn starter as well as a possibly defective battery or a charging system. I urged caution, now this is not the time to be beating up on anyone, but had you chosen to look into this a week ago you could have saved some money by looking for a second hand starter. If it is over 100k miles I’d replace or rebuild everything. Watch out for the cheaper starters as they are not 100% new and they sometimes tend to have a higher defect rate.

look here:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=1#Post882527

javacontour · May 7, 2007

Whatever route you go with, I'd have the "new" starter tested at the parts store before I took it home.

That way, you don't bolt it up and then have to R&R it to take it back for a new one.

Same with replacement alternators. Have the new one tested in the store before you leave and bolt it back up. It saves a lot of hassle.

Cutehumor · May 8, 2007

have it tested at autozone for free.

HardbodyLoyalist · May 8, 2007

I just solved an almost identical problem on my '94 Nissan Hardbody: turn key, hear click, nothing happens.

It was the starter relay. Even though it would "click," it wasn't letting the juice through. It was an $18 fix.

I just wish I had properly diagnosed it BEFORE pulling the starter to get it tested.

another Todd · May 8, 2007

Following my first post here would have diagnosed that.

Tosh · May 9, 2007

A test light would still light up with a poor connection or corroded wires, but the high resistance might not let the starter run. So you need to first determine if the high current-carrying wires and ground have low enough resistance and good connections. Try paralleling the wires with jumper cables to see if it makes a difference. And I think the first diagnostic tool you need, Critic, is a decent multi-meter.

Junior · May 9, 2007

A loose or rusty connection at the starter will cause the exact same problem.

The Critic · May 9, 2007

So, my dad has been driving the SL2 for the past week. He starts it up once in the morning to go to work, and once in the afternoon to return home. Only two starts per day, and each start is after the vehicle has been sitting for 8+ hours.

Guess what? No problems, at all. Not a single starting problem. :zzz:

I have a Fri afternoon appointment to use the school shop to check the electrical system...but this has me really stumped now. :|

The Critic · May 9, 2007

So, my dad has been driving the SL2 for the past week. He starts it up once in the morning to go to work, and once in the afternoon to return home. Only two starts per day, and each start is after the vehicle has been sitting for 8+ hours.

Guess what? No problems, at all. Not a single starting problem.

I have a Fri afternoon appointment to use the school shop to check the electrical system...but this has me really stumped now.

The Critic · May 9, 2007

Quote:

Quote:

Is it really a starter???I'm about to run out right now and pick-up an Autolite Platinum starter and slap it on as I'm getting worried...

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Your starter decided to speak to you a week ago when you posted a “click no start” problem. At the time I cautioned against a worn starter as well as a possibly defective battery or a charging system. I urged caution, now this is not the time to be beating up on anyone, but had you chosen to look into this a week ago you could have saved some money by looking for a second hand starter. If it is over 100k miles I’d replace or rebuild everything. Watch out for the cheaper starters as they are not 100% new and they sometimes tend to have a higher defect rate.

look here:

http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=1#Post882527

I apologize folks. These past few weeks have been extremely busy for me due to AP testing and my car problems could not have come at a worse time. I have been humbly listening to all of your suggestions and keeping them on hand. I have barely had a chance to check the starting system given my limited time so please bare with me. I'll be working on the car this coming Friday (as I have an appointment) so it will be my first opportunity to take all of your suggestions and put them to good use. Thanks.

Urgent! Starter ???

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