Help...Car Won't Start
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From: Germantown, MD
Help...Car Won't Start
My bf's car has trouble starting once in a while (maybe about once in a few weeks). It seems to happen after it rains or after a wash, but it's not 100% either.
Before starting, the lights, windshield wipers, and radio all work. Basically, when you turn the key, it won't make any noise. If you jumpstart it with a car, it'll start (but not with a portable jumpstart pack). But the battery, starter, and main relay are all new. I was wondering if it could be the starter since it was purchased from NAPA and they used rebuilt parts. We also read that it could be a bad ignition switch, but I thought that if it's able to be jumpstarted, the ignition switch would be okay.
What might be causing this?
Jean
Before starting, the lights, windshield wipers, and radio all work. Basically, when you turn the key, it won't make any noise. If you jumpstart it with a car, it'll start (but not with a portable jumpstart pack). But the battery, starter, and main relay are all new. I was wondering if it could be the starter since it was purchased from NAPA and they used rebuilt parts. We also read that it could be a bad ignition switch, but I thought that if it's able to be jumpstarted, the ignition switch would be okay.
What might be causing this?
Jean
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,184
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From: Granville OH
If it doesn't start when you press the start button (or engage the starter with the key on other vehicles), it still can be the battery. The first thing he should do is remove the battery terminals and clean the posts & terminals with a wire brush or steel wool. Put them back on tightly and try again. Usually you at least get a clicking sound if you have a bad connection.
You should check to see if the battery is any good. Most auto parts stores or places that sell batteries can check it for him.
If you're not even getting a clicking noise I'd be inclined to think that it is the solenoid. On most cars, the solenoid is part of the starter, so replacing the starter would solve the problem. On older cars, the solenoid was located on the firewall. The best way to tell where it is: Find the positive terminal on your battery, and follow the heavy wires coming from it. If you have one going directly to your starter, then the solenoid is built into your starter.
To prove that the solenioid is the problem: If turning the key doesn't do anything, try making an electrical contact between the two posts on the solenoid. They are usually located relatively close to each other. Be careful not to mess up the threads with an electric arc. If the starter turns when you make this contact, then the solenoid is your problem.
You should check to see if the battery is any good. Most auto parts stores or places that sell batteries can check it for him.
If you're not even getting a clicking noise I'd be inclined to think that it is the solenoid. On most cars, the solenoid is part of the starter, so replacing the starter would solve the problem. On older cars, the solenoid was located on the firewall. The best way to tell where it is: Find the positive terminal on your battery, and follow the heavy wires coming from it. If you have one going directly to your starter, then the solenoid is built into your starter.
To prove that the solenioid is the problem: If turning the key doesn't do anything, try making an electrical contact between the two posts on the solenoid. They are usually located relatively close to each other. Be careful not to mess up the threads with an electric arc. If the starter turns when you make this contact, then the solenoid is your problem.
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From: Germantown, MD
Originally Posted by slalom44,Mar 27 2005, 11:29 AM
If it doesn't start when you press the start button (or engage the starter with the key on other vehicles), it still can be the battery. The first thing he should do is remove the battery terminals and clean the posts & terminals with a wire brush or steel wool. Put them back on tightly and try again. Usually you at least get a clicking sound if you have a bad connection.
You should check to see if the battery is any good. Most auto parts stores or places that sell batteries can check it for him.
If you're not even getting a clicking noise I'd be inclined to think that it is the solenoid. On most cars, the solenoid is part of the starter, so replacing the starter would solve the problem. On older cars, the solenoid was located on the firewall. The best way to tell where it is: Find the positive terminal on your battery, and follow the heavy wires coming from it. If you have one going directly to your starter, then the solenoid is built into your starter.
To prove that the solenioid is the problem: If turning the key doesn't do anything, try making an electrical contact between the two posts on the solenoid. They are usually located relatively close to each other. Be careful not to mess up the threads with an electric arc. If the starter turns when you make this contact, then the solenoid is your problem.
You should check to see if the battery is any good. Most auto parts stores or places that sell batteries can check it for him.
If you're not even getting a clicking noise I'd be inclined to think that it is the solenoid. On most cars, the solenoid is part of the starter, so replacing the starter would solve the problem. On older cars, the solenoid was located on the firewall. The best way to tell where it is: Find the positive terminal on your battery, and follow the heavy wires coming from it. If you have one going directly to your starter, then the solenoid is built into your starter.
To prove that the solenioid is the problem: If turning the key doesn't do anything, try making an electrical contact between the two posts on the solenoid. They are usually located relatively close to each other. Be careful not to mess up the threads with an electric arc. If the starter turns when you make this contact, then the solenoid is your problem.
Jean
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Granville OH
Originally Posted by JDMpress,Mar 27 2005, 09:35 PM
Hmmm, this might be it. So is this called a starter solenoid? (I want to know what to ask if we go get a new one...)
Jean
Jean
Good luck!
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From: Germantown, MD
Originally Posted by slalom44,Mar 27 2005, 10:44 PM
Yes. It is the starter solenoid, or just solenoid. If built into the starter, I doubt that you can just get the solenoid. You would probably have to pick up a starter. If your bf is handy, they're relatively easy to replace. You can pick up a reconditioned one with a lifetime warranty at most auto parts stores for a little over $100.00.
Good luck!
Good luck!
But either way, does this explain why the car won't start sometimes, but will always start once it's jumpstarted?
Jean
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From: Granville OH
Originally Posted by JDMpress,Mar 27 2005, 09:54 PM
We actually put in a new (well, reconditioned?) one from NAPA. Could it be bad already?
But either way, does this explain why the car won't start sometimes, but will always start once it's jumpstarted?
Jean
But either way, does this explain why the car won't start sometimes, but will always start once it's jumpstarted?
Jean
If you bought that starter from Napa, it should be under warranty. I know that AutoZone has a lifetime warantee on their starters.
Jump starting puts a lot more juice across the Solenoid. So if the solenoid is sticking or binding, the extra electricity could be enough for it to kick in.
FYI: a solenoid is nothing more than an electric coil wound around a magnetic steel plunger. When you put electricity to the coil, it sets up a magnetic field that forces the rod (plunger) to push the electrical contacts together, supplying electricity to the starter motor. The reason for the solenoid is to get a strong electrical current from the battery to the starter.