Starter issue?

[xracer900z]

I have a 98 v6 that wouldn't start on me last night, so i roll started it to get it home then put it on the charger all night. Full charge on battery, I still just get the "click click noise." Took the battery to have it tested at O'reilly and it tested good. I haven't had a chance to get under the car to see if the starter is getting 12V but I also had someone suggest it may be the relay, not sure where that is located though. Any suggests guys? thanks :wavey:

[95firebird3.4]

Re: Starter issue?

can u get a sound clip up?

[kristen]

Re: Starter issue?

alt, starter, relay.

[youngsc]

Re: Starter issue?

Did they test the batery for volts and cranking amps. It could still be the battery if they didn't test the cranking amps part of it. Other than that I would go with relay/solenoid then starter but that would more than likely lead back to the solenoid because it would at least sound like whining or engaging if it was the starter itself. My .02, I worked at Discount Auto when they were still around and that was most cases.

[CDNFB]

Re: Starter issue?

The contactors in the starter solenoid (the ones that pass the main power onto the starter motor windings) are worn out. The solenoid does 2 things. It gets energized by you puting the ignition switch in the START position. When energized, it throwns the starter motor gear into position in the ring gear, and at the same time connects the power to the starter motor. Because your contacts are worn out in the solenoid, that connection is not being made and the starter motor does not get power. Lots of clicking, but no rotation or cranking.

You have 2 choices here.

1) Replace the starter with new or rebuilt. (Big $$$$, not alot of work)

2) Strip down the starter and replace the contactors. (you can get parts from any auto-electric supplier) (Small $$$$, a little more work)

[cybercide]

Re: Starter issue?

are the starter and solenoid one peice in our fbodies?

too lazy to look

[CDNFB]

Re: Starter issue?

yup!!

[zymose]

Re: Starter issue?

Does your clock reset when you try starting it? That would be an indication that you aren't getting enough cranking amps. If that isn't it, then you might try tapping on the starter while its off, or even while someone is cranking it over. If that doesn't do anything then I might try putting the key in run and shorting a hot wire to the starter to see if it fully engages or not. I haven't tried shorting any newer vehicles, but I don't think that it would do anything to the computer.

[jsviking08]

Re: Starter issue?

I have this same exact problem. When I try to start the car, you dont hear the starter solenoid engage and all you get is the great disappointment when you turn the key and nothing happens ( no sound or movement). I have bought a new battery, new ignition switch, took the starter off and then got it tested (passed). I have no idea what it could be now though, any ideas?

[CDNFB]

Re: Starter issue?

Actually, your problem is different. The problem being discussed here is that the starter "clicks" but there is not cranking happening.

For your problem, it sounds like the Theft Deterent Circuit is not allowing the starter to work. Either the Theft Deterent Relay has crapped out, or the Body Control Module is not working, or the chip in your key is not working, or the GAUGES fuse in the fuse box is blown.

Start with the fuse and work your way to the Theft Deterent Relay. Your problem is in there somewhere.

[jsviking08]

Re: Starter issue?

where is the theft detterent relay and the body control module? Thanks for the help

[CDNFB]

Re: Starter issue?

Body Control Module is up behind the dash on the passengers side, just above the feet. I'm not sure where the relay is. When I had a starting problem like yours, I spent some time looking over the schematics to figure out the system, and then at the car I started at the fusebox....and wouldn't you know it...the gauges fuse was blown. New fuse and problem went away!

Ya gotta love those kinds of fixes!

If I had to guess where the relay is, I would say in the relay center under the hood on the drivers side. Look on the cover of the relay center, the relays in there are printed on it.

[jsviking08]

Re: Starter issue?

I just looked the fuse and it was good. When I turn the key to the on position, the gauges move and work.

[CDNFB]

Re: Starter issue?

That good to hear, but now the fun begins!!

I suggest you do one of two things:

1) Take the car in and have someone fix it who has the schematics, tooling and experience/training.

2) Get yourself a manual with decent schematics, a good volt/ohm meter and some jumper wires, and jump right in there and start chasing the electrons (or in this case, lack of them). For example, your trouble shooting will be along the lines of:

- Check for any power (less than 12V) at the purple with white stripe wire at the BCM pin C2 (Pass key sense). No power means the resistor in the key or ignition switch is not working.

- Check for power at the yellow with black stripe wire at the BCM pin C11 (Theft Deterent Relay Control).

Power at the Pass Key sense wire, but no power at the theft control wire means that the BCM is screwed, or the resistor in the key is the wrong code.

[xracer900z]

Re: Starter issue?

The contactors in the starter solenoid (the ones that pass the main power onto the starter motor windings) are worn out. The solenoid does 2 things. It gets energized by you puting the ignition switch in the START position. When energized, it throwns the starter motor gear into position in the ring gear, and at the same time connects the power to the starter motor. Because your contacts are worn out in the solenoid, that connection is not being made and the starter motor does not get power. Lots of clicking, but no rotation or cranking.

You have 2 choices here.

1) Replace the starter with new or rebuilt. (Big $$$$, not alot of work)

2) Strip down the starter and replace the contactors. (you can get parts from any auto-electric supplier) (Small $$$$, a little more work)

Thanks man, you nailed my problem. Got it up on jackstands, put in a new starter, had it running in about 30 mins time. I got one with a lifetime warranty also not a bad deal. Appreciate it! :rock: