Another Starter Issue

M

modelstudent101

New member
Hey guys,
So I apologize if this has been talked about already but I searched and couldn't find anything about my specific problem, or possibly didn't understand what the issue was.

I've been having starter issues for the past 2 weeks - took a couple of turns to get the starter to catch and then a few slow starts.

This morning I went to turn on my '99 and there was a loud rapid clicking coming from under the car. I called my buddy who said it sounded like the starter was bound up and to bang on it a few times to see if that would help free it.

I did that but to no avail. I was previously having a slow crank but it hasn't been going on too long.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
 
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Clicking nose could also mean that the teeth are broken. Did you have someone try to start it for you while you were banging it? If not try having someone turn the key while you hit it.


It sounds like the problem I had with an 03 eclipse and it was indeed the starter. And then when it wouldn't start again 2 days later I went back and ended up having to replace the distributor cap.

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Ended up being the battery. Once I replaced it, my no/slow crank problem that I experienced disappeared.

Thanks all!

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There's a good chance your issues aren't over with. My starter recently stuck on and I had to take the negative cable off the battery to get it to stop. Turning off the ignition did nothing. If I were you, I'd carry a pair of channel locks or a small wrench that fits the bolts on the battery terminals. If it sticks again, you'll have to disconnect the battery to get it to stop.

The contacts in my solenoid were worn and they were worn unevenly. One contact was worn down a lot while the other was just slightly worn. I think this allowed the plunger to get cocked in there causing it to stick.

If you find your problems come back, here's the video I did for the starter removal and solenoid repair.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Awesome, thanks man. I'll probably be replacing the contacts as a preventative after I replace the valve cover gaskets. Appreciate the heads up.

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Hi all, quick question. I'm having no start with one solid click and no attempt of turnover in my driveway. I tested battery voltage and I have a consistent 12.4v although the battery is from 2011. Can I rule this as the contacts and get on contacts and plunger, or could this still be a bad battery? Being a 97, I guess I'm overdue if it is contacts. [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]


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Amalik, Check the voltage at the starter when the key is in the start position. You need to know if you're getting volts to the starter before you tear into the starter.
 
amalik said:
Hi all, quick question. I'm having no start with one solid click and no attempt of turnover in my driveway. I tested battery voltage and I have a consistent 12.4v although the battery is from 2011. Can I rule this as the contacts and get on contacts and plunger, or could this still be a bad battery? Being a 97, I guess I'm overdue if it is contacts. [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]


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Click to expand...

The one click with a good battery sounds like the contacts to me. At least that's how mine does it.
 
your battery is 5 years old and that could be an issue. Try doing a jump start. If that fails, Then it is good to get the contacts done. each contact is about $8 at the dealer. Make sure to take your old contacts.

IMPORTANT: disconnect the battery first.
Note: There is a single metal ball in side the plunger at the end of the spring. Don't loose this.
 
nissanh said:
your battery is 5 years old and that could be an issue. Try doing a jump start. If that fails, Then it is good to get the contacts done. each contact is about $8 at the dealer. Make sure to take your old contacts.

IMPORTANT: disconnect the battery first.
Note: There is a single metal ball in side the plunger at the end of the spring. Don't loose this.
Click to expand...



I was also thinking battery since it's so old, but voltage testing good is throwing me off. If it ain't broke why fix? Haha, I don't daily drive her so don't consider the age of battery only.

Do you also replace plunger or just contacts?


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Most of the time, it is the contacts that wear out. Inspect the thickness of the plunger contact plate (ring), if it is thin, say about 1 mm, replace it, but if it is 3 mm or more, you should be fine. I replaced about 4-5 starter contacts on toyota's and all were just the two contacts.

Never replace the starter with any aftermarket brands. Toyota starters are for life!
 
nissanh said:
Most of the time, it is the contacts that wear out. Inspect the thickness of the plunger contact plate (ring), if it is thin, say about 1 mm, replace it, but if it is 3 mm or more, you should be fine. I replaced about 4-5 starter contacts on toyota's and all were just the two contacts.

Never replace the starter with any aftermarket brands. Toyota starters are for life!
Click to expand...

thanks man -- i did some more research and this could also be my battery and/or alternator. 12.4v is only 75% of full charge, should be 12.6v. I may not be getting enough current to crank the starter. Only test that can tell that is a good battery or a jump start.
 
amalik said:
thanks man -- i did some more research and this could also be my battery and/or alternator. 12.4v is only 75% of full charge, should be 12.6v. I may not be getting enough current to crank the starter. Only test that can tell that is a good battery or a jump start.
Click to expand...

No, there is something called a load test. I won't do ANY electrical work on a vehicle until I have load tested the battery. Most parts stores will load test it for you, although I have had mine for thirty years and it has paid for itself many times over. Just a static voltage test is NO guarantee a battery can spin a starter.

41Ww9caRvRL._AC_UL320_SR214,320_.jpg

$21 on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-BT-100-Battery-Load-Tester/dp/B000AMBOI0
 
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amalik said:
Hi all, quick question. I'm having no start with one solid click and no attempt of turnover in my driveway. I tested battery voltage and I have a consistent 12.4v although the battery is from 2011. Can I rule this as the contacts and get on contacts and plunger, or could this still be a bad battery? Being a 97, I guess I'm overdue if it is contacts. [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]


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Click to expand...

What [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] told you is good advice. Since your battery is 5 years old, get it load tested at an auto parts store like O'Reilly. If the battery tests good, I'd then look at the starter contacts.
 
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TheDurk said:
No, there is something called a load test. I won't do ANY electrical work on a vehicle until I have load tested the battery. Most parts stores will load test it for you, although I have had mine for thirty years and it has paid for itself many times over. Just a static voltage test is NO guarantee a battery can spin a starter.

41Ww9caRvRL._AC_UL320_SR214,320_.jpg

$21 on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-BT-100-Battery-Load-Tester/dp/B000AMBOI0
Click to expand...



Life is funny sometimes

I just got this from Amazon the other day, even with all the bells and whistles, no load tester


http://m.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECK...ger-with-40-Amp-Engine-Start-BC15BD/205431782

Quick question, I tried to jump start with my civic , multimeter showed 14v (up from 12.4) when leads were on... Could it still be a load problem and nothing to do with voltage right?

Based on the pain contacts are, depending on your answer I may try a new battery and return if it's not the problem.

It's one thing if I was dead in garage and working there, but unfortunately I'm dead outside on the asphalt road :)



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Last edited:
amalik said:
Life is funny sometimes

I just got this from Amazon the other day, even with all the bells and whistles, no load tester


BLACK+DECKER 15 Amp Battery Charger with 40 Amp Engine Start BC15BD at The Home Depot - Mobile

Quick question, I tried to jump start with my civic , multimeter showed 14v (up from 12.4) when leads were on... Could it still be a load problem and nothing to do with voltage right?

Based on the pain contacts are, depending on your answer I may try a new battery and return if it's not the problem.

It's one thing if I was dead in garage and working there, but unfortunately I'm dead outside on the asphalt road :)

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Click to expand...

Just call one of your local auto parts store and find out if they load test batteries for free. When you find one that does, pull your battery and drive it over there with another vehicle. If the battery tests good, I would then think the starter is the problem. I'm not electrically savvy so maybe there's some other tests you could do before pulling the starter. Pulling the starter was mostly a pain because I didn't have a really good video or write-up that showed me exactly how they got the starter out. If you use the video I made when I did mine, you won't have any guesswork figuring out how to break the bolts loose and how to get the starter out of the engine compartment. If you luckier than me, you can find a super affordable contacts and plunger for your model Denso starter.

I had to work on my truck in my slanted driveway but I guess it's better than on the road. If you had AAA insurance, I'd say have them come by with one of their tow trucks and back it into your garage for you. If not, maybe you could get a few friends and push it off the road and into your driveway.
 
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mtbtim said:
Just call one of your local auto parts store and find out if they load test batteries for free. When you find one that does, pull your battery and drive it over there with another vehicle. If the battery tests good, I would then think the starter is the problem. I'm not electrically savvy so maybe there's some other tests you could do before pulling the starter. Pulling the starter was mostly a pain because I didn't have a really good video or write-up that showed me exactly how they got the starter out. If you use the video I made when I did mine, you won't have any guesswork figuring out how to break the bolts loose and how to get the starter out of the engine compartment. If you luckier than me, you can find a super affordable contacts and plunger for your model Denso starter.

I had to work on my truck in my slanted driveway but I guess it's better than on the road. If you had AAA insurance, I'd say have them come by with one of their tow trucks and back it into your garage for you. If not, maybe you could get a few friends and push it off the road and into your driveway.
Click to expand...

good idea on a load test at autozone. it's a block away, and the benefit of doing that is if i need a battery, i'm going to get it from autozone anyway :)

thanks, yeah i watched your video in preparation just in case.
 
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