1994 Rodeo Issues - Starter \ Break Light On

Looking for a little guidance on a couple of issues. Rodeo is entering it's 12th-13th year and starting to break down a bit :-)

First, I think my starer is going bad. When I turn the key, it clicks and may not start. If I turn the key enough times it will start. Sometimes, it takes one turn. Sometimes it may take 25 turns. Is it the starter that is bad? Or is it a smaller part than the entire starter?

Second issue: the Brake light and Rear AntiLock break light is on in the dashboard. I have checked the brake pads and such and they are fine. But the dasboard light stay on constantly. I haven't had any problems with the breaks. The break fluid is full. I was wondering if there is anything else I should check or look for?

Thanks all!

Greg

Reply to
Cyclones Manager
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Hello Greg,

I have a '95 Trooper and have had both of these issues.

Issue 1 - My trooper eats starters about every 60,000 miles. First indication I get is slow rollover. It starts, but the starter does not turn the engine like it should - like a low battery. Then it is the occasional click only - It may be the selenoid, but since one must drop the exhaust, I replace the starter as I don't want to do this again - for awhile.

Issue 2 - Rear brake light fuse (15 amp) goes and you get those dashboard lights. On my trooper, it also controls power to Auto Trans Controller - don't ask...

Mike

Reply to
Mike L

1) Definitely the starter. Definitely a pain in the rear to replace as to do it correctly the exhaust has to be removed from the manifold in order to get the old starter out / new starter in. 1b) IF you're daring and you have a small cutting wheel, you can cut the flange off of the old / new starter which is what is preventing the dang thing from coming out / going in. 2) Common and known problem. Hits a 96 Rodeo also. No idea what causes it, no idea how to cure it. Aggravating but I'm finally learning to just ignore it. BTW on mine, it's somewhat intermittent. I'll be driving and they'll come on. Once they do that it's usually on for the rest of the day. By the next morning they're both off again. If it's a hot morning (like in the 80's) they'll stay on even between the engine stop yesterday and the start today.

Good luck Phil

Reply to
Phil

Reply to
Ed H.

Oops. Hit enter before I was finished. Any way

1) It could be a poor battery connection and the starter just isn't getting enough current to crank. Before spending money on a new starter, I would clean both ends of the battery cables with a baking soda/water solution.

2) The ABS computer has sensed a fault in the system. When it does, it sets a code in the computer, that the dealer should be able to retrieve. I know there are not many dealers left and I don't think that a generic ODB-II reader will be able to retrieve it as it's not emmissions related. I wonder if a GM dealer could read the ABS computer?

Reply to
Ed H.

I have an old Corolla that the starter solenoid started to go on. Same symptoms you describe. Hitting it with a hammer helped for awhile. That car had a disabled clutch safety switch. I started it in gear while pumping the brakes hard a few times and I never had a problem since. Now that's precision mechanics.

Reply to
Pason

Remove starter and solenoid. Disassemble solenoid and take it apart to where you can see the copper disk and where it makes contact with the two copper contacts inside, connecting the 12 volt hot battery lead to the starter windings. If this is all eaten up, replace it or fix it - I used a piece of copper from some water pipe and it lasted forever. While you're in there, look at the starter brushes and bearings - if they are worn out, you can replace them or the whole starter if you want. But your problem is your solenoid just is worn out. r/ Steve

Reply to
GreenGas

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