95 Monte LS- starting problem

I have a 95 Monte that has had some recent starting issues. Basically there's been a couple of times (4-5) that I'll get in the car to start it (and it has always been first thing in the morning), I turn over the key and it does nothing. Ok, so I try again- now the first 3 times it did this, the car started right up after on the second try. The last time it did this (our first cold morning in my area) I tried not once, not twice, but 4 times before it finally started. It fires right up, no clicking/churning from the starter, no hesitation. A friend of mind suggested that the cylanoid wasn't getting hot enough to fire and that I would probably have to by the entire starter kit to fix it- can't just by the cylanoid. Any thoughts on this? I had the battery checked out and it's good- new, no corriosion.

Any feedback you could give me would be most appreciated.

Uhh.. last time I checked you can buy the cylanoid by itself.. go that route first.

I've never had good luck just finding the solenoid for late model vehicles. Just buy the entire unit, it's not that difficult to install, and you know you have a good starter then.

Well, I have yet to have that problem again. But perhaps I should go ahead and replace the cylanoid- what do you think? My only hesitation is that sometimes when you replace things, other things start happening....please let me know what you think.

Another question for you: what does the 'low trac' light mean?

Thanks

I would never replace just the solenoid. For the trouble its worth and the cheap insurance, replace the entire starter/solenoid together.

The low trac light is supposed to be indicating wheel slippage. Check your tire pressure, check the eay stuff first. The Grand Prix of the same era had problems with 'false' readings if I recall.

Thanks for the info. But I still ponder should I go ahead and replace this part? It fires up fine for time being.

You still need to determine whether you're getting a signal at the solenoid when the no-start occurs. A neutral safety switch can fail intermittently. When the car won't start, you need to put a 12v test light at the "s" terminal on the solenoid (the small post, the wire should be purple in color). If you have power at this terminal when the key is in the start position (it shouldn't have power when the key is in the on/run position), then your problem is the starter. Replace the entire unit, don't bother with just replacing the solenoid, as the starter motor itself may have a dead spot and you'd waste the money and time installing a solenoid. If you do not have power at the "s" terminal, then the ignition switch or neutral safety switch is at fault. Proper testing will keep you from spending money on parts you don't need. Since you say the car makes no noise at all (no click, no clunk) when it won't start I'd lean toward a bad ignition switch/neutral safety switch/connection. If it does click/clunk, I'd lean toward a bad starter.

Great- this is just the right info I needed- how to 'test' before buying! Thank you for your reply. I'll let you know if/when it happens again.

Thank you for the info.

As richtzz stated, what you need to do is determine if there is power on the s-terminal (purple smaller wire on the solenoid) when the key is in run. You'd need a voltmeter or test light to determine.

If there is no power on the wire, then it would point to a problem on the control side of the starting circuit.

The large cable on the solenoid, is live at all times.