1996 Tahoe LT starter issues

[MazdaX]

Ok so I picked up a 1996 Tahoe LT for 400.00 with a blown trans. I put a battery in and wanted to fire it up to see hwo the engine was but as soon as the positive cables were connected the starter kicked on and started turning the engine over. The key was OFF and out of the vehicle when this was done. So I took a look at the starter relay and what not and replaced it but it's still doing the same thing every time the positive cable is hooked up. Also the factory terminal connector is the fat style and when it is in contact with the ALT cable it causes burns in the Lead. When I leave the primary off for the starter and hook up just the secondary cable ( alt recharge and power for everything else) everything seems to wrk just fine minus being able to start the vehicle.

What the hell is going on with this thing ?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by MazdaX

Ok so I picked up a 1996 Tahoe LT for 400.00 with a blown trans. I put a battery in and wanted to fire it up to see hwo the engine was but as soon as the positive cables were connected the starter kicked on and started turning the engine over. The key was OFF and out of the vehicle when this was done. So I took a look at the starter relay and what not and replaced it but it's still doing the same thing every time the positive cable is hooked up. Also the factory terminal connector is the fat style and when it is in contact with the ALT cable it causes burns in the Lead. When I leave the primary off for the starter and hook up just the secondary cable ( alt recharge and power for everything else) everything seems to wrk just fine minus being able to start the vehicle.

What the hell is going on with this thing ?

the starter solenoid in the starter is defective...remove starter place on the ground and put jumper cables on it to test..if it spins with no power to the solenoid contacts buy a new starter..

[MazdaX]

Autozone has solenoid switch repair/rebuilder units for like 20 bucks. Which would be more sensible ? a whole new starter ($150.00+) ? or replace the solenoid switch($20.00-$25.00) ? The starter doesn't seem weak by any means. In fact it was cranking the engine over pretty damn good.

Also whats the AMP output on OEM alternators 105? 120? Can it handle a 140 amp alternator without blowing fuses and relays left and right ?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by MazdaX

Autozone has solenoid switch repair/rebuilder units for like 20 bucks. Which would be more sensible ? a whole new starter ($150.00+) ? or replace the solenoid switch($20.00-$25.00) ? The starter doesn't seem weak by any means. In fact it was cranking the engine over pretty damn good.

Also whats the AMP output on OEM alternators 105? 120? Can it handle a 140 amp alternator without blowing fuses and relays left and right ?

theres more to the starter than the solenoid switch that needs replacing..usually the motor brushes, bearings and even the drive gears get worn..I use USA INDUSTRIES when I replace starters , never a problem for about 100.oo ..perfect fit no shiming...


the oem alternator is 105 or could be 120 amp..installing a 140 amp or larger is possible the issues however would be the drive belt and fit..

this does not effect any of the eclectrical system in any way...you just have greater amps output..the voltage will not change ..

[MazdaX]

The starter has also taken out some flexplate teeth :/ Since I have to drop the shot trans anyways what other models can I use to replace with ? So far all the prices I am seeing for a 4L60E with opt M30 are through the roof and seem way too high. I've seen the prices for a 4L60E from a 97 jimmy/blazer for 200 bucks but a 4L60E for a 97 Silverado for 900..what the hell is up with the prices? Are all the 4L60E trans the same or not ? Can I use a 700R4 instead or a turbo 350/400 ? Would it just be cheaper to drop and rebuild my own and reinstall ?