Wanna make $10? let's see if you can solve this starter issue...
 

STILL UP FOR GRABS

$10 PayPal to the individual that nails this. True Story.

1.) Go to start car, fuse #16 blows
2.) Fuse #16 replaced
3.) Put key in ignition, all functions engage
4.) Starter will not go
5.) Continue key removal and attempt to start up, starts after 3rd attempt or so
6.) 15:39 (04.Jan.09) - Starter Replaced, problem still exists

GO!!!

You need a new starter. The reason it starts after the 3rd attempt is because you have a dead spot in the starter and after the 3rd attempt you pass that dead spot and it starts up fine. Get a new starter and you'll be all good. I just changed mine not long ago and it was fairly simple. The only problem is getting the bolts off.

lol, it's been awhile since I have seen this many people viewing a thread at once.

Chris - were you having the same issue as I am describing?

Not with the fuse blowing, but my car would crank and finally start after the 3rd or 4th try. Once I changed the started the problem was solved. If you buy a new starter at AutoZone and bring your old 1 in, it comes out to $130+tax with lifetime warranty which is pretty good.

Any pointers I should be aware of before I perform the job?

From what I can see it's just a metter of pulling out the airbox, battery, removing 2 bolts, then replacing

Disconnect your battery 1st since it is directly connected to the starter. Wheres my $? :D

Thats exactly what it is, the bolts are kinda tough though. I put some WD-40 on them and that helped.

That's always the problem! And it always seems to be the last bolt that won't come off!!!!!!!!&^%^&%$^*%*^%&$%&$

But changing my starter took me like 30min though, very easy....

Yeah that 2nd bolt in the back right? That thing was such a ***** I got so pissed, but yeah 30 minutes for me too.

it's the power socket. is there something pluged in?

Thanks for the help, all. Chris - YGPM

PM returned my man. Good luck with the starter and bolts. What a PITA.

Do not get a starter at AutoZone. Lifetime warranty doesn't matter when they grind every few starts. 3 in, 3 out and they all did the same damn thing on my old Accord. Finally went to a wrecking yard to get one-which worked perfectly and only cost me $35. On the other hand, the Duralast batteries at AutoZone are top notch. Go figure. :gotme:

I got mine almost a month ago. The 1st few starts (probably 1st 3-5 starts) did grind a little, but now it's as smooth as ever.

Maybe that's just the grease distributing around the gears out of the box...

I don't know. It should be fine. Mine runs perfect now and I've had no problems with it. On my '96 I had a rebuilt 1 from AutoZone for about 7 years, they're good.

y does the fuse blow though?even with a bad starter i don't think fuse blows,maybe connectors?

Not sure, maybe it just went bad? Cause it hasn't blown since you changed it Metal Maxima?

I honestly don't know why the fuse blew. Keep in mind that I just finished adding about 30sqft of deadening and have the entire interior gutted, for the most part. It was either:

(A) Started directly on the gap and pulled excess draw to turn

-or-

(B) I bridged the cigar lighter wires on accident. :scratch: After the fuse blew I looked up which fuse #16 was located as per the ESM - the cigar lighter is on the same circuit as the ignition junction box, for whatever insane reason I will never understand.

It hasn't blown since right?

No, hence why I think I might have made incidental contact with said harness connector :bonk: We'll see what tomorrow brings... :nervous:

Yeah that most likely happened. Cause I don't see why a bad starter would make that fuse blow. It just doesn't make sense.

3 in a row would grind every few starts. Just wasn't worth swapping them out to find one that worked. Maybe they have a new rebuilder or supplier now.

I guess so. When was the last time you got a starter from AutoZone?

I just returned my 2nd starter for another car of mine from AutoZone...I would not buy from there, they blow.

Pep Boys brand I put in and it is good to go. Was $5 cheaper too.

WD-40 man. Its a *****. That was the only thing that made the process so much longer that what it should have been.

I guess it was 2003 or so. Bought a battery there 3 weeks ago though.

Hm maybe things did change. The batteries are the "shizznittle-bam-snip-snap-sack". (Long word that doesn't make sense to most was quoted from a very fun movie, Half Baked)

Got it. D'AMN the gears are dusty - stupid question time - lube the gear, correct?

I didn't lube mine I just replaced it.

S'hit.

Should I wipe the grease off?

I didn't.

No, should I wipe the grease off or leave it on?

Did you put a lot?

ESM says no grease, strange...

Back to the garage

Wipe off the grease then. Maybe thats why the 1st couple of starts grind a little. Not sure.

It wasn't the starter. :nupe500: