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NO start need help
Topic Started: Mar 2 2015, 07:12 PM (1,120 Views)
shaft
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Drove the car from work and I stopped at the store for a few minutes, came out of the store, try to start the car and no go.

When the key is turned to the ON position, all the dash lights come on and everything works like it normally does. When I turn the key to START, the dash lights dim and I get a hum but not a click. Tried several time to start with no luck.

I was lucky enough to find a guy to push my car, popped the clutch, car started and I drove home. Parked the car in the driveway and turned off the ignition. Tried to restart the car and it wounld not start.

Put the car on stands and here's what I found:

--- I had my wife crank the car while I put a test light on the solenoid wire and the other two big terminals on the starter and I had electrical power there but no click from the solenoid.

With that said, the starter needs to be replaced due a bad solenoid correct? Please confirm.

Also on the pic below the big wire circled in red is cracked about half way.

Posted Image
Edited by shaft, Mar 2 2015, 07:16 PM.
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Hanuman
"The Almighty Grounds Cleaner"

replace the starter.
making all the lights go dim means its the starter itself...not the solenoid....not the relay.
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texan821
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I am no longer a member

Almost certainly. Since you're able to do a rolling start and you get no noises (clicking, etc) when turning the key, I'm not inclined to think it's the battery/alternator, fuel flow or ignition coil/plugs. Additionally, because there's a slump in power when you turn the key, I believe there's adequate juice running from the battery when you turn the key.

If it were me, I'd swap the starter and go from there. The 'proper' thing to do is to grab a multimeter, a wiring diagram and the correct voltage readings and isolate the problem that way...but like I say, I'd be confident enough that it's the starter based on your symptoms and the experience I've had to go ahead and replace it.

The starter is the easiest thing I've ever changed on my Metro...only two bolts and takes close to no time at all. Best of luck :)
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shaft
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Thank you all for the help. Will get started soon.
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Hanuman
"The Almighty Grounds Cleaner"

you should probably clean your battery posts and tighten them...then test again.

and while your there, after installing the new starter...now would be a good time to install new cables, and clean your grounds and positives. http://geometroforum.com/topic/5720306/1/
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TripleThreat


THANKS GMF!
Edited by TripleThreat, Mar 14 2015, 11:54 PM.
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shaft
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Another rookie question. What's the trick in removing the upper starter bolt? Barely have any room to turn a wrench.

Bottom one was easy. Thanks.
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shaft
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Never mind. Got it off.
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Highwayman
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If you look at that nearly dissolved starter you will see what damage Magchloride and brine do to vehicles and metal. He might want to check the rest of the car for severe rust out.
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dayle1960
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Fastest Hampster EVER

Did you clean the battery terminals BEFORE you tore the starter out? Do the simple things first, then proceed up the hardness ladder.
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shaft
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Starter replaced and car started. Thank you all.

Bench tested the old starter and it is completely dead.
Edited by shaft, Mar 2 2015, 10:16 PM.
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Hanuman
"The Almighty Grounds Cleaner"

the secret to the starter bolts?
a bunch of extensions.....i have almost 4 feet of extensions total...maybe more.
why work in a tight spot?
get it from a more open location.
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Stubby79
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That rust is impressive! :die
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shaft
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Stubby79
Mar 3 2015, 05:14 AM
That rust is impressive! :die
Yep.................car lived in IL for 22 years up until about a year ago.
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Stubby79
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I don't think I want to see the underside of your car!
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