I know this is long, but its a weird problem... so please read

Maybe I can get a different perspective on this but here is my situation.

-Car would start every once in a while, after many attempts
-Car stopped starting completely, but I heard the solenoid clicking
-Pulled Starter and bench tested it
--worked fine, plunger engaged, motor turned
--Tested all continuity check points in Haynes manuel for the ignition
switch and each one worked
--Took the Neutral safety switch off the clutch and tested it, it
also had continuity

Conclusion in my mind:

Perhaps something is shorted/open/grounded in the stock security system

OR

Even though the starter is working on the bench test, it doesnt have enough torque to start the motor.

Or

Maybe the one of the connections was dirty on the starter

Any suggestions?

thanks

 

check your battery

 

Check the battery under load to see how many amps it's providing.
Not enough amperage and your starter wount turn over the engine.

The starter could be shot even though it spins on the bench.
If the windings or brushes are worn it may not have enough torque to turn over the engine.

 

Yea the batteries good, I just replaced it under warranty because I originally thought it was the battery.

The windings are probably shot.

 

Check all the in cabin fuses. I had the same problem and found the ECCS(ECU) fuse was blown. Replaced it and it worked fine. Doesn't make sense to me but it worked. Or is the ECCS an outside fuse? Can't remember.

 

solenoid on the starter. With the starter on the car and it not starting hit it with a hammer. If it starts it's the solenoid or the starter itself get a new one.

 

I had mine bench tested, and it was fine... but the thingy wouldn't push over until it was pretty wound up and running.
Jae

 

I'm pretty sure it's the brushes on the starter. I had a similar problem. The starter wouldn't turn intermittently. If I tapped it with a breaker bar it would turn fine. Changed the starter and have had no problem since.

 

Hey, thanks everyone....
It was the starter, it kicked right over after I go the new one..

 

Your welcome. How much did you pay and where?

 

I had a 97 SE and 97 I30 That both did the same thing. Removed the starters and performed maintenance on solenoid, gears shafts, etc. The original lubricant was a putty like consistency. Used AMSOIL High Temp Synthetic on all moving parts. This was over a year ago and both cars have been starting fine. There is a nice write up with pictures on www.motorvate.ca check it out.

 

It was 139.99 + tax at advance auto parts

 

I HAVE had similiar problems with my 97 SE automatic. Over the past three years have had the situation occur and ended up replacing the starter each time. The starters are fine so I have no idea why the car started after changing them.

Now the car will not turn over (again) I hardly want to replace the starter again but I am totally stumped. A few times the car would start like it should after the tow. Go figure. The dealer can find nothing wrong. Wife is threatening to buy a VW!!

Any ideas?

 

you may have missing teeth on your flywheel. and check your battery.

 

I just sent is a post on similar issue on a 98.....can't figure it out....hopefully someone will give us insights. I know its cold out but this has never happened to me.

 

Flywheel is good according to dealer. Battery is new. Alternator is new. Relays are new. Starter is the third one in two years.

Car is at the dealer now. Hopfully their "Consult" will detect a code or fault that we can go with. I will post the results later today.