In my case it wasn't the solenoid which is integral to my starter. What I saw
was a large voltage drop to the wire going into solenoid from the ignition
switch. I assumed that someplace in the circuit from the battery to the
ignition switch to the starter solenoid there was corrosion that became a large
resistance when I turned the ignition switch to the 'start' position. You can
check this by applying 12 vdc directly to the starter solenoid. You have to
pick up the 12vdc from someplace that can supply lots of current. I picked
one of the terminals in the fuse box in the engine compartment since that was
the closest source that would supply enough current.
Steve Ashcraft
Ashcraft & Assoc., LLC
928-636-7228 (Paulden)
480-357-1912 (Mesa)
908-217-4612 (Cell)
----- Original Message ----
From: Matthew Goertz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:09:24 PM
Subject: Re: Intermittent power content
Looks like most of you are suggesting the starter solenoid. I'll order up a
new one tomorrow and report back shortly.
Cheers!
Matt
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Ashcraft
To: Matthew Goertz ; [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 5:01 PM
Subject: Re: Intermittent power content
I chased the same problem for about a year. Seemed to be worse once the car
was completely warmed up. I decided that a 17 year old wiring harness wasn't
worth replacing so I removed the cigarette lighter, put in a starter switch ala
Honda S2000, and ran new wires from the starter button to the starter and now
it works every time. Of course, this is a race car and I don't worry too much
about resale.
Good luck.
Steve
----- Original Message ----
From: Matthew Goertz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 1:30:14 PM
Subject: Intermittent power content
So today, I'm having a new issue with my car. Car is a 90 Canadian base, with
107,000 kms.
What it's doing:
Starts first try, 90% of the time. Once in a while though, I turn the key, and
here's what happens:
Dash lights come on (CEL etc, radio works, no problems). Turn the key to start
position, relay clicks, but car doesn't start. Embarassing when trying to
impress your date. Turn the key 5-10 times on and off, finally the car starts.
Here's some data:
New battery from the dealer October 2007. Fully charged and used daily.
New starter installed by a mechanic October 2007. Remanufactured unit bought
from FLAPS.
Replaced ground cable from block to firewall with used piece October 2007.
Car had been a theft recovery and had been hotwired. 4 wires to the ignition
switch trimmed and soldered with appropriate wiring harness by mechanic. I
watched him use proper shrink wrap, not just electircal tape.
My question:
What's the most likely culprit for the intermittent starting? Where should I
start looking? I'm thinking the ground off the engine block is the most likely
problem, since it was installed by me in the cold, and I might not have cleaned
the contact points thoroughly enough. What should I check after that (since
it's the simplest place to start). Solenoids? Wiring to starter? Wiring
harness continuity?
Ideas? Recommendations?
Cheers!
Matt
PS: Please help me so I can continue to impress the ladies!
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