97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

[01CamaroV6]

Hey guys, I'm re-building my car and I hate to say this but I've forgotten how the connections go to the starter. Could someone maybe take a quick pic for me of theirs and post it up for me? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[95firebird3.4]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

im not 100% sure but there should only be two wires and one should be bigger than the other and so should the bolt on which u hook up the wires too so just match up the sizes

[01CamaroV6]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

Ok, maybe someone can shed some light on this for me then. I have the starter wired correctly and I just got done re-building the engine and putting everything back in the car. Right now, when I hook up the battery cables the starter instantly wants to engage. Did I miss a ground on the engine block or what would cause this. Any help is greatly appreciated, this thing has been pissing me off for a few days now. Thanks guys!

[01CamaroV6]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

Just on a side note, my username is now incorrect for those who might wonder why don't you just check the '01 V6. I had since sold that car and bought an '01 SS so I no longer have a reference vehicle for V6 specific things.

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

there are two wires. each should be a different size. each should fit to a specific size bolt/nut/screw spot

[01CamaroV6]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

there are two wires. each should be a different size. each should fit to a specific size bolt/nut/screw spot

Correct, and they do and i've now confirmed that it's wired correctly. But the starter still tries to engage as soon as I connect the positive battery cable. What would cause this?

[Blizzard242]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

You have a gremlin sitting in the driver seat with the key turned laughing at you. Just don't get him wet. I'd say trace back to what is suppose to engage the starter. It may not be the wiring directly on the starter thats the problem.. I dunno though. Just a geuss. Oh btw, did you see 13ABC news today? Everyone told me I was on there at the gas station with my car. Yeah I noticed you live in Toledo too.

[01CamaroV6]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

I've been tracing this thing for three or four days now and I can't find a problem. I wish it only was a gremlin in the driver's seat, then I could kick his a**, lol. Also, no I didn't happen to see 13ABC today. Kinda cool that you made it on tv though.

[Blizzard242]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

I've been tracing this thing for three or four days now and I can't find a problem. I wish it only was a gremlin in the driver's seat, then I could kick his a**, lol. Also, no I didn't happen to see 13ABC today. Kinda cool that you made it on tv though.

Yeah first time I made it on tv and it was with my car. That's a sign right there. And I'll look up in my haynes manual about the starter.. if I find somethin in the first 5 minutes I'll post back here tonight, if not.. I'm goin to bed and I'll get back to you tomorrow.

[01CamaroV6]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

I looked in my chilton's and didn't see anything but I really appreciate you looking. Maybe I can get lucky and make it on tv with my SS one of these days, hopefully it's a nice day and she's freshly detailed though, lol.

[Blizzard242]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

Hahaha, yeah mine had ice and rediculousness all over it.. the ice doesnt look horrible on a silver car though so eh. Anyways, I'm willing the bet its either the solenoid or the ignition switch. Take the starter to autozone, they can check out the solenoid and starter. If it's not either of those you've at least eliminated a possibility. Don't take my word for it though.. I'm kind of hit or miss with these things lately.

[01CamaroV6]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

Thanks man, I don't care how hit or miss people are right now. I'm open for any ideas or suggestions. I hadn't even thought to take it to autozone to have them test it. I'll try to do that tomorrow if I get time. Thanks again and maybe we can meet up sometime and check out each other's rides.

[bigbrian442]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

Unhook the smaller wire going to the starter. This is the wire the gets power when you turn the key to start. If the problem stops check to see if that wire is has power going to it when the key is in off or run. If it does check for a bad ignition switch. The other wire going to the larger post on the starter, should be hot all the time, it goes to the positive side of the battery. If unhooking the smaller wire does not stop the problem,either the wires are hooked up backwards, or the starter has a problem.

Brian

[Blizzard242]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

yeah, like he said ^^^^

[HeadyFirebird'00]

Re: 97 Firebird 3.8L Starter

You Have A Bad Starter!!!