94 Bonneville Starter Going?

[94_Bonneville]

Hello again AF,

my problem today was when i went to start my car this morning.

I turn the ignition and nothing.

all my internal lights are on, headlights seem full power, but nothing, not even the engine turned over.

one hour later, started right up.

So could this be anything besides the starter? is there a simple way to test the starter while in the car?

Thanks for any help as always.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by 94_Bonneville

So could this be anything besides the starter? is there a simple way to test the starter while in the car?

This could be several things, other than the starter. Did you notice if the security light was on when you attempted to start? Have you checked the battery cables for corrosion? (Always remove the negative (-) cable first). The positive side will have two large and one small terminal wrapped with red insulation. You must peel back the insulation to expose the terminals. Any corrosion in this area should be removed with a brass brush and a 75/25 mix of water & sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Corrosion on these terminals will cause more problems than you can imagine. Corroded cables may carry enough amperage to run your interior/exterior lights, but not operate the starter. The piggy-back terminals are a poor design to begin with, so therefore, they must be maintained in like new condition for best results.


Finally, if the problem persist, you can jump the starter terminal and the purple wire on the starter solenoid to test the starter. It is not easy to get to on the starter, so I usually expose the purple wire in the wiring harness near the top of the engine and strip back the insulation enough to connect my “bump-start” button. The other end of the bump-start switch can then be connected to the battery positive terminal. Press the button and the starter will turn. (If it is in good condition)

[94_Bonneville]

funny how i forgot to mention that, and good that you brought it up.

yes, the security light was on yesterday, then went offf on its own, so i thought nothing of it. now this.

so what is that a possible symptom of?

should i continue to do what you said to test the starter?

I will check for corrosion tomorrow morning, since its raining something nasty (rain trying to be snow) right now.

Thanks.

edit: i do not have a security system by the way.. at least not that i know of.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by 94_Bonneville

funny how i forgot to mention that, and good that you brought it up.
yes, the security light was on yesterday, then went offf on its own, so i thought nothing of it. now this.
so what is that a possible symptom of?
should i continue to do what you said to test the starter?
edit: i do not have a security system by the way.. at least not that i know of.

Your car came equipped with what they call a PassKey system. Notice the resistor "chip" in the key. If the key reader in the steering column does not read the resistance of the chip in the key, the security system (theft deterrent module) will shut down the start enable relay and fuel injector pulse. It will reset automatically after 3-4 minutes and then you can try again.

First, clean the resistor with a pencil eraser or alcohol on a Q-Tip to see what happens. If you have another key, keep it with you to try in case this happens again. If that fails to resolve the problem, you may have a damaged key reader or wires in the steering column. Try the keys first!

[94_Bonneville]

man, my thanks extend to you.

I will give this a shot, as this sounds like a fair explanation to my issue.

great forums.. just too bad i only ask questions and have no advice to pass to others for their problem.