The dreaded starter click
#16
It's single clicks. Turn to acc......wait for about 5 seconds, turn to start, hear one single "click". Curse. Turn key back off. Turn ahead to acc, wait, turn to start hear one click. Curse more. Keep repeating until it catches. This time it whirled on fourth or fifth try.
This morning it was 2 ceclius, 36 farenheit started no problem.
This morning it was 2 ceclius, 36 farenheit started no problem.
On the brighter side, you could probably put up with this until the weather gets a little warmer before working on her.
Last edited by randal; 01-19-11 at 06:37 PM.
#17
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This morning it was -2 celcius
1st try got 1 click
2nd try got a whirl then a quick stumble & no start
3rd try whirled over & started fine.
Likley be a week+ before we'll receive and have a chance to install the plunger and solonoid contacts. Hopefully she'll get me to work until then.
And the garage has a furnace
She'll really be getting some TLC on that day:
OEM plugs wires caps rotors air filter
exhaust gaskets
TB cleaning
starter plunger & solonoid contacts
Seafoam
trans flush
oil change
coolant flush
4KYB GR2 shocks & rear OEM springs
possibly 147A alternator, Optima red top 800cca battery & new ground cables
1st try got 1 click
2nd try got a whirl then a quick stumble & no start
3rd try whirled over & started fine.
Likley be a week+ before we'll receive and have a chance to install the plunger and solonoid contacts. Hopefully she'll get me to work until then.
And the garage has a furnace
She'll really be getting some TLC on that day:
OEM plugs wires caps rotors air filter
exhaust gaskets
TB cleaning
starter plunger & solonoid contacts
Seafoam
trans flush
oil change
coolant flush
4KYB GR2 shocks & rear OEM springs
possibly 147A alternator, Optima red top 800cca battery & new ground cables
Last edited by StevieA; 01-20-11 at 11:29 AM.
#18
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While you're in there you should check the knock sensors to make sure they are in spec. Idk what they are supposed to be at off hand. At least you got some heat. Wish I did, gotta finish my t-belt in the teens. Brrrr
#19
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Thanks for the tip! I'll source some repair manuals from LexLS's link to TIS system for guidance. BTW doing the timing belt in those conditions would be torture
#20
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Has it done this in the past? It could be just a cold battery. If it does it again when it's that cold, try turning your headlights on for about 5 minutes, that warms the battery and it will start easier. The 1st time someone told me that I thought they were nuts, but it works.
I'm thinking it's simply "warming up" the wires throughout the system from the draw therefore when I ask for a draw to the starter more current flows and overcomes the "gap" in the solonoid contacts in the starter.
Last edited by StevieA; 01-25-11 at 05:30 AM.
#21
Still haven't fixed the starter but last two mornings were -20 and -16 celcius and she started right up first try. All I did different was left all my typical electrical draws ON for about 10 seconds before trying to start her (1,000 watt rms stereo, heater on high, seat heater on etc.). Go figure
I'm thinking it's simply "warming up" the wires throughout the system from the draw therefore when I ask for a draw to the starter more current flows and overcomes the "gap" in the solonoid contacts in the starter.
I'm thinking it's simply "warming up" the wires throughout the system from the draw therefore when I ask for a draw to the starter more current flows and overcomes the "gap" in the solonoid contacts in the starter.
Wishful thinking but no, its still the starter contacts. You may be able to go quite a long time w/o needing to actually change the starter because of the intermittent nature. Depends upon whether you are willing to chance being "stranded" somewhere away from home when the contacts finally give up the ghost.
#22
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"Warm" wires actually have more resistance than a cold wire (barely detectable but there). The theory is that current flow "warms" the battery, resulting in more output.
Wishful thinking but no, its still the starter contacts. You may be able to go quite a long time w/o needing to actually change the starter because of the intermittent nature. Depends upon whether you are willing to chance being "stranded" somewhere away from home when the contacts finally give up the ghost.
Wishful thinking but no, its still the starter contacts. You may be able to go quite a long time w/o needing to actually change the starter because of the intermittent nature. Depends upon whether you are willing to chance being "stranded" somewhere away from home when the contacts finally give up the ghost.
#23
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Sourcing an Optima Yellow Top SC31DA, 900 CCA's, 150min reserve capacity @ 25amps. 60lbs. Biggest mother they've got.
I am a bit of a Tim the Tool Man.....
My current battery rated at 600cca's has bit of difficulty starting and lights dim with bass etc.
I am a bit of a Tim the Tool Man.....
My current battery rated at 600cca's has bit of difficulty starting and lights dim with bass etc.
#24
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Update
It's been about 4 mths since these symptoms began. I haven't yet done anything (no starter work, same battery etc etc) but I can make the car start No PROBLEM every time just by turning on headlights fan stereo etc before turning the key even at -20 C temperatures
What I'm learning is that my 600cca tired battery and deteriorated "big three" ground points are not up to snuff (along with suspected worn starter solonoid contacts).
Just for future reference for others that may have these symptoms........
When the weather gets better and I have some vacation time I'll install the new battery & upgrade my grounds and maybe install the new starter plunger & contacts & 147amp alternator.
What I'm learning is that my 600cca tired battery and deteriorated "big three" ground points are not up to snuff (along with suspected worn starter solonoid contacts).
Just for future reference for others that may have these symptoms........
When the weather gets better and I have some vacation time I'll install the new battery & upgrade my grounds and maybe install the new starter plunger & contacts & 147amp alternator.
#25
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Good to hear that you're getting it to start. I know what ya mean about waiting for better weather, (it's cold) as long as you get it done asap. Just remember you can't put it off forever b/c one of these times it just might not start. And it'll probably "break down" in the worst spot. (We've all been there)
#26
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Update
Replaced the starter solonoid contacts & plunger. Finished the job today. Took my Uncle and I about 9 hours to do it. Cost me $289 total for starter kit, gaskets and $100 for my Uncle's labour. Removed a mouse nest from under the intake as part of the job - LOL
The driver's side solonoid contact was heavily worn. The smaller passenger's side not so bad. Also installed 147amp alternator as my old used 100amp was failing.
So I went 4,400kms and 5 months from the first starter click symptom until I finally broke down and replaced the contacts.
The driver's side solonoid contact was heavily worn. The smaller passenger's side not so bad. Also installed 147amp alternator as my old used 100amp was failing.
So I went 4,400kms and 5 months from the first starter click symptom until I finally broke down and replaced the contacts.
#27
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Good job. And $100 for labor for a helper is a damn good price to pay for 9 hours. I'm surprised it lasted 5 months and ya didn't "break down" on the road somewhere. At least ya had some better weather now.
#28
Driver School Candidate
My 1999 LS had the same "issues" and I was able to go a LONG LONG LONG time before I had to swap the starter out. Literally it would "occasionally" click once a week or so, and then start. Rarely, two times then start and even more rare 3 tries.
I was able to let this go for like 1 year plus. Finally I took it to my neighbor who is a retired firefighter and was a mechanic for a decade as well and it took him 8 hours as the starter is in the Valley of the engine block. He only charged me $250 and I bought a reman starter for like $200 +/- .
Gotta love good neighbors and good cars - my old chevy trucks the starter would just die. No warning, nothing - DEAD.
Not TOYO/LEXUS baby !!!
I was able to let this go for like 1 year plus. Finally I took it to my neighbor who is a retired firefighter and was a mechanic for a decade as well and it took him 8 hours as the starter is in the Valley of the engine block. He only charged me $250 and I bought a reman starter for like $200 +/- .
Gotta love good neighbors and good cars - my old chevy trucks the starter would just die. No warning, nothing - DEAD.
Not TOYO/LEXUS baby !!!
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