anyone up for a challenge?

[flyguy214]

I have a 96 Saturn that I picked up for a winter beater. She is a great running car but has developed some issues with this cold streak we are having here in Michigan. For some reason when it gets below 10 (windchill wise) she will not even crank. I had it in the shop and they said the starter and battery checked out just fine.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what could be going on?

 

[Arkaign]

Extreme cold can be hard on a fuel-injection system. Aside from that, have you checked your fuel filters, plugs, wires, distributor?

 

[flyguy214]

When I had it in the shop they checked the whole starting system. It doesn't really seem like a fuel issue since its not even trying to turn over.

I was thinking maybe a relay or ignition switch?

 

[chucky2]

You said it's a beater...just wondering what weight oil are you running in it?

Sometimes the places that sell beater cars will run a much heavier oil to mask engine sounds...these heavier oils don't like it when it gets cold, and neither does the engine.

If you're running a xW-30 though, then it's not that...

Do you mean not even attempt to turn over?

Or, do you mean it tries to but just won't get going?

Chuck

 

[flyguy214]

Its the starter :-(

I switched a couple of the relays around and finally got it to "click". At least its an easy fix.

 

[chucky2]

:thumbsup:

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: flyguy214
Its the starter :-(

I switched a couple of the relays around and finally got it to "click". At least its an easy fix.

It is probably just the solenoid on the starter. I am not familiar with the design on the Saturn, but sometimes it is possible to replace just the solenoid without having to replace the entire unit.

ZV

 

[boomerang]

Don't do any more business with that shop.

If you're right and it's the starter, that completely contradicts what they've told you. I'm assuming they didn't do the work for free which makes the situation even worse.

What makes me wonder about your diagnosis is that you say you swapped relays and got it to click. I'd first be wondering about the relay. Secondly, I'd be more likely to suspect wiring. You should be checking for voltage drop in the starter circuit.

The easiest thing to do would be to check any grounds to make sure they are clean and tight. Check the Positive cable at the starter to make sure it's clean and tight also.

I think you'll find that starter is not cheap. I'd make sure that's the culprit first. Of course if you throw enough parts at it, you may eventually get lucky.

 

[M2008S]

for tht car the solenoid most likely is NOT on the starter, it might be on a fender wall in eng compartment. but if it is just get the whole thing, not worth taking it all apart.

if the solenoid is powering and clicking and the starter is not moving then its most likely the starter. if nothing at all try a solenoid if its not attached to the starter. etc. start with cheap first

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: M2008S
for tht car the solenoid most likely is NOT on the starter, it might be on a fender wall in eng compartment. but if it is just get the whole thing, not worth taking it all apart.

if the solenoid is powering and clicking and the starter is not moving then its most likely the starter. if nothing at all try a solenoid if its not attached to the starter. etc. start with cheap first

Just like my Ford Crown Vic.

Starter relay sits on the fender near the battery. Only one wire goes to my starter. I had to replace both my relay and starter (both were original and 20 years old) because both died at nearly the same time.

It was very easy to test with a multimeter. The relay failed and I bought a new one for $20. It clicked but the starter wouldn't engage. So I bought a remanned starter for less than $100.00.

Maybe flyguy214 should invest in a block heater if there are extended cold periods where he lives. I wish my car had one, but I don't have an outside plug where I live.