Occasionally when I go to start my car, the starter sorta "freewheels", that is it spins, but does not spin the engine. It usually does it once or twice, then it will start normally. Seems like a bad solenoid to me, but any ideas?
Thanks
Brian

 

Most likely you are correct, but check all connections to the solenoid first.
Then you might want to remove the starter and make sure that the linkage between the solenoid and starter gear is not binding or might need a little lube. It might live a little while longer, or a lot longer......

 

Mine's doing the same thing. It'll spin once and the 2nd time it'll catch. Seems like it does it only when it's cold outside? It hardly does it at all in the summer???? I've been meaning to clean the starter connections, etc... but haven't yet. I've also been told it's the solenoid. If you get to yours before I get to mine, please post results. Thanks!

 

That does sound like a solenoid not kicking the gear out far enough to engage the ring gear (on the flywheel ) . If it makes rude grinding fingernail on chalk board sounds it is also eating away the teeth on the ring gear . You should remove the lower bellhousing cover and inspect the ring gear rotate the engine to see all the teeth . If the gear is ok it is safe to replace the starter .

 

Oh, yeah. Mine does that too occasionally; just spins with no turns. Another thing for the Winter list.

 

Solenoid projectile disfunction ...........part of old age .........

 

If thats the case, where do I put the little blue pill?

I guess I'm gonna pull the starter and clean all the contacts inside and out.
Thanks!
Brian

 

Another possibility is that the Bendix (the one-way clutch on the gear) is not grabbing.

 

Mine started doing this **** last spring. I got all concerned and bought a used starter. I went under the car to change it out...but couldn't get the bolts loose. And I couldn't get at one of them! You have to remove the clutch cover to get at this, and I just didn't have the time. My car stopped doing it anyway...

It does this at times- "Christine" throws her little fits.

Bitch!

N!