fordsvtmfl

iTrader: (13)

So, about two days ago my 98 Gs300 would not start. Its not the battery, because everything works and it doesn't even try to turn over (no clicking, nothing). So you know when you put in the key and switch it to run, and there's that little motor that runs for a few seconds? (dont know what it is, never really cared lol) but it will only start AFTER that motor has stopped running, and then it stars perfect. And still starts great regardless of the motor running or not when the engine is not cold.

Any ideas? My only thought was battery or starter. I know its not the battery, and in the few cars I have worked on with starter issues, it doesn't act like this.

Thanks in advance.

FYI i have had this car for 4 years, in the same climate, and this problem is completely new.

-Preston

tinman

It turns over at the same speed? It doesn't chug or anything new? I have also noticed that little whirring/humming noise when first starting the car or humms then it's done with a soft click. Is this the noise you are talking about? If so, I've never bothered to investigate either.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

The motor you hear is the booster.

Could be your battery due to cold start and lack of amperage. Cheapest thing to do is get it checked. Could be enough to power your devices but not enough to do anything else. If you can get to the starter, give it a firm tap as someone cranks the car and see if it starts; could be seized.

I wonder if the chip in the key has anything to do with it...

fordsvtmfl

iTrader: (13)

I was thinking it could possibly be the chip. The reason I'm pretty sure its not the battery is because when it does try to start, it starts strong, not like its barely trying. Also when it doesn't start, it does nothing, and I mean nothing... doesn't turn over, no clicking (like when the battery is dead). The only time it ever did anything remotely like it was when i tried to start it with the valet key lol. Thats why I was thinking maybe it was the chip, but i really dont know.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

wow, so either it starts or doesnt, Hmmm... Still could be starter.

what makes me think not the chip is, well question first When you stick the key in, does the steering wheel go down and all the other stuff? I'm unsure though if the chip activates that. I think it does.

fordsvtmfl

iTrader: (13)

Yes it does. It started fine this morning, I waited about 20 sec until the motor was done running, and yes it does click when its done, I think its the booster as well. And it started great, first time. And it was the coldest its been so far (45ish) So I will just wait until that motor is done from now on I guess, and if it starts acting up again ill look into it more.
Thanks

speedaddic

iTrader: (10)

would really make sense if its the battery (cold cranking amps), while the booster is running, that's drawing some of your charge to start the car. When you are waiting for the booster to stop, its no longer drawing current, enough to start the car. just a thought. My silverado did the same thing, it was a bad optima battery.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

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fordsvtmfl

iTrader: (13)

I guess it could be, just weird because the battery is a year old, I guess I can test it.