Hi; I'm having an intermittent problem with the starter in my 2000 T&C Limited, 111,000 mi, 3.8L V6. Any advice would be helpful.
When I turn the key to start it, I hear the starter engage but it doesn't turn the motor. I turn off the key and do the same procedure and the car starts just fine.
Now, I know what most of you are thinking -- bad battery. But I checked it. With the car cranking, the batter voltage is 11.5V. Even when the starter does its crazy non-turning thing the battery voltage is 11.5V. Voltage when car is off is 12.2V. and voltage when running is around 14V.
So, maybe it is the starter cable. So I put the VOM on the starter post and did the same experiment. Same result, 11.5V on cranking, so I assume it is not the starter cable.
Is there a solenoid in the starter housing somewhere, like the old GM starters. I have greate experience with the detachable solenoid on a GM model. Seems like they used that design for
25 years.My final questions -- Is it worth putting in another starter, cost $100? Are there any other tests I can do? If I go through the trouble of removing the starter to have it bench tested, I might as well not waste time and just put in a new one.
Gary J. Atlanta Georgia. Home of the Braves (Division champs for the past 14 years).