Starting Problem with my '98 Passport

Hello All,

I am having very similar problems to this lady described in another forum. My problem seems to happen most in the morning, but on occasion in the middle of the day and I can't recreate the problem to my mechanic.

The truck won't start, the radio/lights would be on, but when you turn the key, it clicks once but it doesn't start. If you keep turning the key, the engine clicks with every turn and after a number of consecutive turns, the engine finally starts. This doesn't seem healthy for the starter/engine.

Any advice will be very helpful. Please read below and help. Thank you very much!!!

JuanAbove:banghead:

Stacey wrote:
My trucks proves me to be a liar. Since I have had my battery changed, I would turn the ignition and the car wouldn't start. The radio, lights, windows all have power, but my engine won't fire. I went to a mechanic and he tightened the terminals and testing the alternator, starter and battery and said they were all fine. Whenever I get in the car by myself it won't start. When I bought it to the mechanic's, it started right away for him . So, needless to say, he didn't beleive that it wasn't starting for me. For the last 2 weeks this has been going on. I even had another mechanic at a dealership said it was the starter and that it could be replaced for $900. I have a 96 Honda Passport.

What I'd like to know is some guesses on what may be wrong and going to the first mechanic and having him test out your theories. PLease HELP!

Stacey

I had the EXACT same problem with my 99 rodeo. I paid $400 to have it checked out at an Isuzu dealer and they could not replicate the problem. Right when i took it home, It wouldn't start again. It is really embarrassing to have the noise of your engine not starting for a couple of trys until is actually turns over. I heard it was the STARTER, regardless of what those dumbass mechanics tell you to get you to leave, Just request to have the Starter replaced. They will keep saying that it is fine. New starters on ebay were $75. I didn't have to replace mine because i traded in my 99 rodeo for a 2000 rodeo. when the dealer test drove the car, It started fine. Thank God!....Boy are they going to be in for a surprise when they find out that it won't start in the morning. Uh....Oh well......its there problem now....GOod Luck with yours....

Classic starter problem. You are not far from it never starting. Get a new starter. If you have the 4X4, you have to move the exhaust to change it. If you have the 4X2, it's 2 bolts and 2 electrical connections to get it out.

The starter on my mistubishi did that. I think my record was 43 tries before it caught. Sometimes it would do it every time I tried to start it that day, other times it would go for a month or so with no trouble. I even replaced the starter (napa) and it worked fine for about 6 months then did it again. I just lived with it until I sold it, put a new starter in (twice) for the next owner (lifetime warrenty and 20 minutes to change it out). They tried to tell me it was fine because it worked on their test bench, I convinced them to replace it.

I went with the Autolite starter from Checkers when I did the one in my rodeo, I wont buy napa starters again or any "house brand" starters from any auto parts store.

Before you spend alot of money on a new starter ... make sure it is not the starter solenoid. I have a 98 2WD and just had my solenoid rebuilt (new solenoid contacts and plate) for 49.00. My mechanic tells me many
starters are replaced when only the contacts need to be reworked.

Link for more info (lifted from another board) ; )
http://www.sherco-auto.com/contacts.htm

msikdm

Before you spend alot of money on a new starter ... make sure it is not the starter solenoid. I have a 98 2WD and just had my solenoid rebuilt (new solenoid contacts and plate) for 49.00. My mechanic tells me many
starters are replaced when only the contacts need to be reworked.

Link for more info (lifted from another board) ; )
http://www.sherco-auto.com/contacts.htm

msikdm

True. If you have the time to take it to somebody, this is probably your cheapest option. If you need it done now, swap the whole unit out.

If its a 4x4 I would swap the whole thing anyways. No point in going through all that trouble if you're going to put mostly used parts back in. Why they couldnt make changing it in the 4x4 as easy as it seems to be in 4x2 is beyond me. If they would have changed the manifold and head pipe a bit it would be simple.

You guys are all awesome!!! Thank you so much for the info...anybody how much a starter usually costs. I dont' want to be taken advantage by a sketchy mechanic. Thank you again for all your answers....you guys rule!!!!

JuanAbove