Starting Problems

[cruiser69]

I have a 2002 GT with a 3.8 and 79k on it. Lately it does not want to start. Sometimes it starts fine then the next time it is totally dead. Then all of a sudden it starts. Could I have a bad starter? Sometimes it also starts up and dies then you start it again and it runs fine. If anybody has any ideas it would be great.

[BNaylor]

So when you say it doesn't start is that the starter not engaging including no clicking or the starter engaging and the engine not firing up?

[cruiser69]

Today there was no clicking at all. Then after about ten minutes it started clicking and then started. A lot of times is clicks a few times before it starts. Sometimes it starts right up then dies immediately. Then it starts right up and runs fine after it just died.

[tblake]

I would get the battery load tested first of all.

[BNaylor]

Also, check the battery positive and negative cables and the terminals at the the battery. Clean, tight, serviceable, no corrosion.

If above checks out then check for 12 volts with ignition to START at the starter solenoid "S" terminal (purple wire).

[cruiser69]

Battery and starter checked out fine. I went out to start it today and it was dead. I kept on trying to start it and on the fifth try it started. When I would crank it over there was no clicking or anything and then all of a sudden it starts. Could it be the ignition or some sensor that it bad?

[BNaylor]

Possibly ignition switch or the crank relay located in the main engine compartment fuse box or starter/solenoid. If you check the starter solenoid "S" terminal located at the starter and there is 0 volts with ignition to START then you back track to the items mentioned above. Also, check the red terminal connection at the top of the main engine compartment fuse box and make sure it is tight.

Without turning ignition switch to run or start do you get the Instrument Panel lights when headlamp switch is turned on?

[tblake]

Try starting it in neutral next time it wont start. If it starts a trans range (PRNDL) switch could be your issue.

[cruiser69]

I will check the starter solenoid and see about the volts. I checked the red terminal today and it was tight. I do not get instrument panel lights when I turn it to on. They come on when I reach the run position.

[tblake]

When it wont start, do you hear anything from your starter at all? A click or anything? How is your coolant level.....?

[cruiser69]

When it won't start there is no noise from starter at all. No clicking or anything. The coolant level is ok.

[tblake]

Do your lights dim out a lot when you try to start it and there is nothing? You may want to try a voltage drop test across the battery cables as an assisstant cranks the starter. Anything more than about about a half volt drop and something is up.

[cruiser69]

I know it has been awhile but my car was starting for me. Today it will not start again and I am getting a 12 volt drop between the battery terminal and the purple wire on the starter. Does that mean my starter is bad or could it be something else.

[BNaylor]

Are you getting 12 volts at the starter solenoid "S" terminal and purple wire or the 12 volt drop which means around ZERO volts.

[tblake]

The purple wire at the starter should show 0 Volts unless the motor is being cranked over. If so, the ignition switch and PRNDL switch are doing ther job.

Connect the positive lead of your multimeter to the positive of your battery. Then connect the negative lead of your multimeter to the past on the starter where the large cable goes to. Have an assistant crank the starter. If the multimeter shows anything more than 0.5V while cranking, you have excessive resistance somewhere, like maybe a corroded battery terminal, or a bad battery cable. Repeat the same process for the negative side by going from the negative battery post to the housing of the starter.

If everything looks good, I'd bring the battery back in for testing. Sometimes those wimpy little testers parts places like O'reilleys have can't load a battery down enough to run an accurate test.

Will your car start if it is jump started?