Once in a while, maybe twice a week, my car won't start... Thing is, if I tap the starter solenoid a few times it turns right over. Thoughts on what I should do other than replace the starter?? Reason I'd rather not do that is because the same thing happened last winter and I ended up replacing the starter then.

 

The starter under Warranty?

 

I couple things to do. Check for voltage drop from the positive terminal to the starter. Second, check the ground for corrosion at both ends. You might have bad cables.

 

Tech: unfortunately no, it's not under warranty anymore :\

bitter: Don't know how to check for voltage drop, wish I did... I'll have to check for corrosion at the starter as every other system is perfect and it will eventually start if I whack the solenoid a few times.

 

I would say the starter is bad.(Sorry)

 

Crap... LOL... Oh well... That's what I figured... Well, I was looking at them at FCP and they have reman ad aftermarket - negligable price difference, but the reman has a $100 core(!)... Don't know if I trust used any more as this one was used... Thoughts on the aftermarket one??? That $100 core is nasty... Also, i I do this myself, what else would I need to buy? It looks like I will have to remove the intake - yes?

 

Bisch reman is pretty good. No you don't need to remove the intake. Just remove the cooling fan and you can get to it.

 

So, the aftermarket is no good and the reman would be worth it? I have to use a debit card to do this and the $100 core is going to really hurt even f I d get it back when I return the old one...

 

Check locally first before ordering online. You might be able to find a close price local for the same part.This way you won't have to pay the core.

 

True, but I'd be VERY surprised if I found it locally in stock. I have a hard time finding much of anything and have to order 90% of anything I get... Eh, I'll just get the reman...

 

Keep us posted on the progress.

 

I picked up a reman at O'Reilly Auto Parts a few weeks ago. They had to bring it in from the warehouse but it only took a couple of hours. It was $139.00 plus a $40.00 core charge. On a non turbo, if you hold your mouth just right, you can sneak the old one out and the new one in without removing the fan shroud. I think I had to remove a wiring harness clamp to do it.

It was a rebuilt Bosch, same as OEM.

Any decent chain store should be able to get you one within a day.

...Lee

 

Hello Dads850,

I had an issue with my starter in the old Grand Am I had and found that it was the brushes in the starter that had become worn out.

I found a replacement bursh kit at Canadian Tire for twenty dollars and a half hour later the car was starting with every twist of the key.

A starter may not be a starter but the internals are the same.

The kit came with a number of different sized brushes and it was a simple thing to remove the starter, pop it open and change the brushes.

This may be an option to the purchase of a new or new to you starter.


[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

What about the solenoid? Is that easily replaceable on the 850 starter?? I'm thinking that I actually tap on that to get it started when I'm having trouble...

 

I think I have it licked... Monday I was farting around with the car when I grabbed a hold of the main starter cable and notice it was a bit loose. I tightened it down the best I could and (knock on wood) it's started like a dream ever since. I think what I am gong to do is to get a used starter from a pick it yard somewhere, a new brush it and a new solenoid and rebuild it myself just so I have one on hand...

 

Sounds like a good plan.