Is it really my starter?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Is it really my starter?
When my 1997 Eddie Bauer Explorer wouldn't start last night, I called CAA.
They came out and checked the battery, which showed a "good" reading (it was fully charged, and the amps were about 930).
He put the booster cables on anyway, and when I tried to start the engine, there was one click (at the starter solenoid by the sound of it), then nothing.
I tried it a couple more times, and it finally fired.
The tech said he's about 99% sure it's the starter (a flat spot).
When I got it home and shut it off, I tried to start it again, but got the same click, then nothing. (the ammeter on the instrument panel showed a low battery condition).
It started up fine this morning.
Any thoughts out there?
They came out and checked the battery, which showed a "good" reading (it was fully charged, and the amps were about 930).
He put the booster cables on anyway, and when I tried to start the engine, there was one click (at the starter solenoid by the sound of it), then nothing.
I tried it a couple more times, and it finally fired.
The tech said he's about 99% sure it's the starter (a flat spot).
When I got it home and shut it off, I tried to start it again, but got the same click, then nothing. (the ammeter on the instrument panel showed a low battery condition).
It started up fine this morning.
Any thoughts out there?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Sounds like a solenoid or starter. You need to troubleshoot it with a test light.
You could try this. When it doesn't start have someone tap the starter lightly with a hammer with the key to the start position if it starts your starter needs rebuilding or get a new unit.
Dick
You could try this. When it doesn't start have someone tap the starter lightly with a hammer with the key to the start position if it starts your starter needs rebuilding or get a new unit.
Dick
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, AZ
A faulty starter will sometimes start on its own after appearing dead for a few attempts. This will eventually go away and you will have no choice but to hit it with a hammer every time to get it to start.... and finally it will just stop working altogether. Had this same trouble with both my 92 and my 97. Theoretically, a jumpstart won't help you with a bad starter, it just decided to work on it own, jumped or not, so it gave the appearance that it worked because you got jumpstarted. I would start looking for a reman one (or new if you prefer). They are somewhat easy to replace on your own. I would replace the battery cables and solenoid while your at it (both are really cheap).
