Greetings all,
Let me preface this with my admitting that I am not a "car guy". I have a basic understanding of how things work, slightly above average understanding of electrical circuits and probably way too many friends/acquantinances with advice. Please bear with me. :)
I have an 88 model S15 with a 2.8L engine that is really acting up. A few days ago it was acting a bit sluggish starting, like the battery was getting weak. It is a 2 yo Interstate but these things happen. Got up the next morning, it was sluggish again for 2 attempts then nothing. By nothing I mean there was no "action" from the starter. I hooked up my battery charger, flipped it to jump start, still nothing. Done some checking, I am getting power to the solenoid according to my light tester, so I suspected the solenoid itself to be bad. Removed solenoid and starter as a unit, took them to Oreilley and had them tested, passed test. The parts guy said that it could possibly be that it was not getting a good ground, so I took it back home, cleaned all mating surfaces, bolts, shims, posts and connectors, reassembled, still no love. GGGRRR!!! I am still getting a light with my tester when the key is turned to the start position, this is on the smaller post. I can not hear anything inside the engine compartment when the key is turned, I have a full display of lights on the dash with no dimming when attempting to start and I can also hear the fuel pump when the key is first turned on. I guess what I mean is there is no clicking from the solenoid, that I can hear, to indicate that it is working/getting power. I made a second trip to the parts store and was advised that I needed to check to see if the battery was putting out a full 12v, which I have not been able to do yet. But with the jump starter I would have thought that it would be putting out plenty of voltage, opinions?
I want to thank anyone and everyone in advance for any and all help/advice you might be able to give, this is my only means of getting to/from work so I really need to get this matter resolved soon.
Regards, Jim C Roberts