[whincup]

need more advice from the experts... i've had a bit of trouble with my starter motor... when i turn the key nothings happening. i can still push-start the car and it runs... i've checked all the wires are connected properly, i got a multimeter to check powers being supplied, as well as power to the solenoid, all reading fine. the lights do dim when the cars off and i hold the key in the start position, and if i try to start it with the engine running i can hear the engine revs drop a little as though the alternators under load... starter motor itself was rebuilt less than 18 months ago...

the problem started right after a minor "mishap" i had over christmas... i rolled onto the roof doing about 10-20km/h. slipped off some dirt mounds after some heavy rain doubt it could damage the starter since the panels are fine, except the windscreen and doors... any ideas?


Edit: stupidly forgot to mention, '94 sierra, g13ba engine...

[alien]

is the starter solenoid clicking??? if not you've most likely got condensation in the solenoid - i has this last winter and just carried a stick in the back so i could give it a poke when it played up... come summer its dried out and is fine - howeer just recently the solenoid is clicking but the starter isnt turning over every time (takes 3-4 goes sometimes, others its fine).

[89_tintop]

What voltage are you getting at the trigger wire???

[whincup]

i think i was getting around 12 volts, about what i expected. and no, im not getting any noises whatsoever. might have a go at pulling out the solenoid or something... but its been about 6 weeks and still nothing...

[89_tintop]

Voltage is ok.. Was that while it was still connected to the starter or was it pulled off??

Have you tried tapping the starter while holding the key in the crank position??

[alien]

before you pull it out, give it a nice solid tap or 2 with something solid (i use a timber offcut)... it worked for me.

[89_tintop]

Voltage is ok.. Was that while it was still connected to the starter or was it pulled off??

Have you tried tapping the starter while holding the key in the crank position??

[whincup]

89_tintop wrote:

Voltage is ok.. Was that while it was still connected to the starter or was it pulled off??

thats with it pulled off... what should it be while connected? and did try tapping it, but not while the key was on... batterys flat now (wasnt at the time, im not that stupid) cz i left the headlights on (i am that stupid... ), but i can pull the battery out of my other car. it is safe to use a battery with double the CCA rating right? stupid question, but id rather be safe than sorry...

[89_tintop]

whincup wrote:

89_tintop wrote:

Voltage is ok.. Was that while it was still connected to the starter or was it pulled off??

thats with it pulled off... what should it be while connected? and did try tapping it, but not while the key was on... batterys flat now (wasnt at the time, im not that stupid) cz i left the headlights on (i am that stupid... ), but i can pull the battery out of my other car. it is safe to use a battery with double the CCA rating right? stupid question, but id rather be safe than sorry...

test it while connected and let me know.. Anything above 9v is acceptable..

Yeh a battery with a larger cca won't cause any problems. It is actually better.

[shep]

test it with a big fat length of wire straight from the battery to the trigger terminal on the starter.
make sure that it isnt in gear when ya do this.
if it works then it is clicky starter fix time

[ck13488]

make sure you have a decent grip on it when testing if out of the car as it can have a surprising kick to it.

[whincup]

shep wrote:

test it with a big fat length of wire straight from the battery to the trigger terminal on the starter.
make sure that it isnt in gear when ya do this.
if it works then it is clicky starter fix time

so with ignition on just a wire from the positive terminal straight to where the signal wire plugs in? sweet, will try this tomorrow hopefully if i get a chance...

[shep]

you dont need to have the ignition on, it should still turn over, just make sure that it isnt in gear

[whincup]

shep wrote:

just make sure that it isnt in gear

good advice, need to tell my brother this. investigating a noise in his patrol "turn it on" i say, standing in front of the bullbar...

[whincup]

ok so i gave it a try today. tried the wire to the solenoid signal, it clicked but that was it. it does click with the original wire there as well so i tried. even tried jump starting using my brothers patrol. hooked up the jumper leads, had his car running, tried starting mine, just a loud click then nothing...