On my '99, I regularly have the problem that the starter solenoid clicks, but the starter won't crank right away. I have to turn the ignition key on and off several times before the starter turns. I have a new starter and a new ignition switch. This has annoyed me for several months. Does anybody have an idea what it could be?
TIA,
-Joe
I'd start by checking the battery, corroded terminals might do that.
Turn on the headlights. If they are very dim or off when cranking, it's probably a battery or connector problem, if they stay bright, it's a starter motor issue.
Woo! Sounds like what stranded me and my mom two weeks ago. Only we couldn't actually get it to start. If it's been more than a year since you got your battery, I'd replace it. If it's under warranty...well then have them test it and charge it. Then pour Coke (yes, the soda) into a rag and clean the terminals of the battery and the ends of the cables thoroughly.
Remount the cables...maybe with some anti-corrosion battery grease (AutoZone loves to sell you this stuff at the counter).
If it doesn't work...well, it will work! If it happens again in a little while (assuming you just charge the battery), then the battery is defective and charging unevenly. Might have tipped over at some point. Get it replaced!
-r0ll
I tried turning on the headlights. And the result so far has been that I have seen much less of the problem. Most of the time, with the headlights on, it started right away...
-Joe
Mal Osborne wrote on 05/19/07 02:14:
r0lliSl1fe wrote on 05/20/07 20:36:
Thanks for the tips. The battery is fairly new, although it could be over a year already (I'd have to check my receipts.)
-Joe
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