Intermittant starter
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From: Philadelphia, PA
Intermittant starter
Went out to the car, turned the key, and nothing. All lights, etc work, but the starter does not turn at all.
I've had this happen twice before, leading to the new battery and starter and relay. Each time I replaced something, it began to work again and would be fine for a few months.
Here's what I've checked so far:
1. New battery
2. 12v at starter
3. New starter
4. Ground straps and connectors in spare wheel area cleaned
5. New starter relay (XIV)
6. Measurements on relay:
12v at location 30 with ignition on
attempted to bypass 30 to 87 - no starter action
good grounds at relay
7. Attempted the "wiggle the ignition key" trick - unsuccessful
So, I climbed under the car and jumped the solenoid with a wire, getting a quick surge to the starter. Got back in the car, turned the key, and voila, the starter turns right over, as if nothing was ever wrong! Seems that the sudden surge corrected the problem (temporarily, I'm sure).
Is the problem along the wires that go/come from the multiconnector in the front passenger side (near the jump start terminal)?
Anyone ever rig a "bypass" switch to jump the solenoid in these situations (so that you don't have to climb under the car - naturally this happens when you have nice clothes on)? If so, let me know the details!
I've had this happen twice before, leading to the new battery and starter and relay. Each time I replaced something, it began to work again and would be fine for a few months.
Here's what I've checked so far:
1. New battery
2. 12v at starter
3. New starter
4. Ground straps and connectors in spare wheel area cleaned
5. New starter relay (XIV)
6. Measurements on relay:
12v at location 30 with ignition on
attempted to bypass 30 to 87 - no starter action
good grounds at relay
7. Attempted the "wiggle the ignition key" trick - unsuccessful
So, I climbed under the car and jumped the solenoid with a wire, getting a quick surge to the starter. Got back in the car, turned the key, and voila, the starter turns right over, as if nothing was ever wrong! Seems that the sudden surge corrected the problem (temporarily, I'm sure).
Is the problem along the wires that go/come from the multiconnector in the front passenger side (near the jump start terminal)?
Anyone ever rig a "bypass" switch to jump the solenoid in these situations (so that you don't have to climb under the car - naturally this happens when you have nice clothes on)? If so, let me know the details!
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From: Insane Diego, California
As you did not indicate the conditions under which it does not start, this may or may not be a solution to your problem:
http://www.928oc.org/tip/hotstart.jpg
http://www.928oc.org/tip/hotstart.jpg
Last edited by Randy V; Nov 6, 2003 at 07:30 PM.
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From: Philadelphia, PA
Thanks, Dennis.
I'm assuming that the solenoid internals are ok in the new starter (as the solenoid is part of the Bosch starter, and, therefore new as well).
Last I looked at the engine to chassis ground, it looked fine.
Any other thoughts?
I'm assuming that the solenoid internals are ok in the new starter (as the solenoid is part of the Bosch starter, and, therefore new as well).
Last I looked at the engine to chassis ground, it looked fine.
Any other thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 3
From: Owasso, OK
Another possible problem area could be the positive battery cable itself. I've had 2 that the ends looked good but were corroded under the insulation. May want to resistance test yours and compare the readings to a known good cable.
Dennis
Dennis
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,747
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From: Owasso, OK
Just reread your reply. The engine to chassis ground cable may "look good" but did you remove and clean the contact surfaces? If you check the archives you will see that most intermittant electrical problems are caused by bad grounds.
Dennis
Dennis
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From: Philadelphia, PA
Last night I checked on the 14-pin connector and I think I found the problem. The ceramic connector was broken and falling apart!
Of course, the connectors were somewhat corroded, so I cleaned all of them. And will order a new connector from 928 Specialists Monday.
I also discovered that if you jump pin 12 (light green, always has 12v on) to pin 14 (large yellow wire to starter) the starter engages. Might be a quick fix if the starter's not working and you're stuck somewhere. (ie carry some extra wire around)
Of course, the connectors were somewhat corroded, so I cleaned all of them. And will order a new connector from 928 Specialists Monday.
I also discovered that if you jump pin 12 (light green, always has 12v on) to pin 14 (large yellow wire to starter) the starter engages. Might be a quick fix if the starter's not working and you're stuck somewhere. (ie carry some extra wire around)
