I have a 2000 Town and Country and is have been acting a little weird. It will click and no start. 4 times then try and on 5th will start. i tested the starter and charging system. both tested good, but the battery is brand new. ideas adn help are needed.:crying: :runaround:

look over your battery cables regood if thr are nice and tight on both ends of cable look for the green fuzz on the cable sounds like a poor connection to me good luck

iBgodsmacked (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=530619) I had the same thing on my 97 voyager, It would just click for about 3 times in a row then start. I got to where I would turn the ignition about 15 time and just get a click and on the 16th time it would start. Went to a shop that just repaired starters and altenators and he told me the symptoms I was having before I told him. Took it off he rebuilt it for 100 dollars and has been fine ever since. He said the started has a flat spot in it. I guess he was right.

Yep, same symptoms I had. Replaced the (Nippondenso) starter solenoid contacts for a grand total of $5 in parts, and have been back in business for about a year now. About the cheapest repair I've ever done. Only caveat is that you'll need to bring at least the burned contacts with you for the (specialty) alternator/starter repair place to source the correct replacements. Apparently, having the part number for the starter is not sufficient for most places.

I've heard that if you don't repair it, and just "live with it", the solenoid will eventually latch and the engine will start, but the starter will not disengage. Then you'll have a potential fire on your hands if you're not quick at disconnecting the battery or pulling the right fuse.

Update: see the following for details and pictures of how to replace the solenoid contacts (and plunger if necessary):
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/instructions.html
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml


Chad

I am not sure if i am saying this right. I turn the key and it clicks once, no start. I turn it again, no click no start. turn it again, click no start, this goes for a maybe 2 or mabye 5. It started like this about a month ago, I pulled the starter out, tested it, tested good, pulled the battery out, tested good. Did the charging system test. Charge is good. 13.6 Amps. I am about to pull the starter and have it rebuilt, but wife will not if it will not fix the problem. keep them coming you are helping me convince my wife here.:uhoh:

...And let me guess, sometimes it actually rotates the engine a tiny amount before stopping, right? If so, identical symptoms of bad solenoid contacts.

Well, if you want to be 100% positive, you'll have to have someone holding the ignition in the start position (while it's not starting), and tapping the starter with a mallet if you can. If that jars it into starting, you've most likely proved that it is the solenoid contacts.

Another way that doesn't cost anything is to disassemble the starter solenoid (there are no springs that go flying, so it's easy to reassemble) and look at the contacts. If they're worn, spend the $5 to replace them. The plunger, if needed, is another whopping $15-20. I'm not an advocate of just throwing parts at a vehicle, but even if you WERE to, heaven forbid, replace them unnecessarily, you'd be out hardly any money.

well I have had the starter rebuilt for a total of 60$. time will tell what is the final word. I am glad I stick with GM