Starting Problems

[Travis M]

When I go to start my car (93' grand am se with 3.3 liter) sometimes it will start on the first try, other times it will do nothing except make a noise for a second from the solenoid and silence. The starter will not turn at all. When it does start (it takes 1 to 6+ times) it pops right over as soon as the starter starts turning. I've tried starting it with the headlights on and they don't dim much. The starter is a Bosch that is no more than 2 yrs old. So does this seem like a faulty solenoid/starter or something else like a ignition switch/module? Any tests or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I'm getting sick of this car! There has only been one time that I have'nt been able to start it (problem been existent for 2-3 months now) and i tried the whack the starter with a crow bar trick and it did'nt start the car...

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

The issue is the solenoid not the starter. When current is applied to the solenoid it magnetically draws the forks back and engeges the bendix on the starter causing it to engage the flywheel and turn the engine over. The issue with yours is that the solenoid is going bad and will not allow the starter to engage. Unfortunately you need to drop the starter to replace the solenoid but it is not hard to change otherwise. Just make sure to unhook the battery before you begin.

[Travis M]

Does everyone agree on that?

[xeroinfinity]

IMO "Bosch" is the problem.

And wacking the starter is only good when the solenoid is stuck out/engaged. Can damage the starter more too.

Pull the starter and get it tested at your local auto parts store, most do it for free.

Double check that your connections are clean and tight !

[JustSayGo]

More than likely the contacts in your starter solenoid are burned enough not to allow the connection from the battery to the starter motor. That means I agree, you need to remove the starter and repair or replace the contacts for about $6 or replace the starter.

[Travis M]

Gonna replace the starter....

[corning_d3]

Sounds like your on the right track. I also disagree with beating on the starter. You can break magnets if you hit the wrong spot, which makes your starter weaker..

[Travis M]

JustSayGo or xeroinfinity ....well have'nt done the starter yet been tryin' to fix the other stuff first. But I'm curious would a Niehoff ignition solenoid starter repair kit be what you guys recommend to fix my starting issue?
It's a very affordable route! Never rebuilt a solenoid before, are they pretty easy to do? http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=618&ptset=A
Thanks guys! One thing after another with this car, now I'm getting a small oil drip on the passenger side. Always something to fix! Look for more questions soon! lol

[xeroinfinity]

Travis, If it is your Solenoid , then that kit would probly work OK.
What usualy happens is that washer with the spring on it gets a build up and doesnt make good contact.

Your troubles could be something else wrong with the starter, thats why I suggested removing it and getting ti tested to make sure.
Why waste money on something thats not broke.

If the oil thats dripping isnt coming from the intake or oil pan, then your crankshaft seal could be leaking the oil.

Good Luck

[Travis M]

Is it possible to take the solenoid apart and clean it and have it work? If yes what would you use to clean it! I'm a father of three so every dollar counts! Thanks....

[xeroinfinity]

Yes you can try and attempt to clean the solenoid.

I clean the inside of teh solenoid with brake cleaner sprayed onto a rag. File down that washer(with the spring) where it has build up of metal.

Still even after all that it may not work 100% of the time or at all.
I'd just buy that kit from advance and replace all that, maybe that will fit it.

Also make sure all your connection terminals are clean and tight.

[Travis M]

Tore it apart,cleaned it with brake cleaner,filed the center post,starting every time now..Thanks !