signs i need a new starter in my car?

[Lithium381]

I think it's the starter, but somethings buggin' out in my car, the engine won't turn over when i start it, i just hear a faint click, click.....i have to turn the key in there about 20 times before it turns over.......any insight onto that one? it's an 82 honda accord

 

[JC]

Could be just the starter relay/solenoid, or a loose cable connection.

JC

 

[notfred]

starter, solenoid, battery.....

 

[Pepsi90919]

when the starter went in my bonneville it gradually cranked slower and slower until it wouldn't start at all. they had to whack the starter with a wrench while starting it to unstick it enough to drive it to the service station to fix it.

 

[Lithium381]

Originally posted by: notfred
starter, solenoid, battery.....

i don't think it's the battery, just replaced that about two months ago, along with a new alternator......what's a solenoid? loose cable eh? i geuss i'll try and find a manual for it and check everything....

 

[ohtwell]

Could be a faulty ignition switch.


: ) Amanda

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: Lithium381
......what's a solenoid?

The solenoid is a relay that engages and/or sends current to the starter motor. If the contacts in it are burnt up, it may not allow the starter motor to spin up.

JC

 

[RossMAN]

I had this same problem with my car. Turned out it was the starter.

 

[DrumminBoy]

the same thing happened on my 92 civic. it would click a bunch of times before finally turning over. About a week after it started i had to replace my whole starter (250$), but i think it was because of excessive use. (it was my first time driving a stick, so i killed it every 2 mins. or so )

 

Clean the battery terminals first

Turn on your headlights,start vehicle.
If the lights dim a lot,the starter is possibly shorted,If the lights do not dim at all,you have a bad connection.
You should see a small amount of dimming when everything is in working order.

To properly check the starter,you are going to have to check the starting circuit with a amp meter wired in series.