Car won't start. Is it the starter?

[Ornery]

Good call by SilverThief. You can tell if there's a significant draw on the battery (more than a digital clock) by how much it sparks when you connect and disconnet the battery terminals. Not very scientific or accurate, but quick.

Before you bail on the starter, jump past the solenoid and see if she'll spin. You may get the job done for even less than $40.00, which is already pretty cheap!

Good Luck

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: ausm
Check the connection wires to the starter they may be loose...I really think it is the starter that is the trouble.


Ausm

I don't think it is the starter if he can jump start it. The starter works then right!.

 

[Willoughbyva]

Thanks Ornery. When I changed the battery yesterday I didn't see much of a spark when I took off the cables and put them back on. I'll check for a loose connection on the starter and also see if there is a drain on the battery.

Thanks

Will

 

[Willoughbyva]

I'll have to see if it will start tomorrow with a jump. When I changed batteries I figured the battery needed charging so I jumped it. It didn't start on the first try I had to let it sit for a right good while. On the first attempt of starting with jumpers all it would do was click. It would keep clicking for a while. I just figured it needed charging. Plus when I put the orginal battery into my other car it would start up. So I don't think it is the battery, but I will get it checked.

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: morkinva
the starter solenoid !

Yep, I bet this $12.00 part could put it right. You could even pull the solenoid apart, clean the contacts up, and be on your way for no cost at all!

 

[Willoughbyva]

Well. I went and got and new starter and Selinoid and put it on and it started right up. $41.76 isn't to bad. I just hope that it was the problem. I used the old shim and it seems to work all right.

Thanks for everyones help!!!

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: ausm
I have Virtually the same motor in my 2002 Impala LS. The starter is easy to get to if you have Ramps or an hydraulic floor jack with Jack Stands. The starter is located toward the passenger\firewall side of the vehicle.


Ausm

uh, this is a series I 3800 here.. it should be on the front of the engine at the bottom.

 

[morkinva]

Originally posted by: Willoughbyva
Well. I went and got and new starter and Selinoid and put it on and it started right up. $41.76 isn't to bad. I just hope that it was the problem. I used the old shim and it seems to work all right. Thanks for everyones help!!!

[/homer] WOOHOO !