is my starter going? Options

[96bluevert]

I went out to my car this morning to go to class, but when I turned the key there was nothing...I know it's not the battery b/c I just replaced that a few months ago and all the accessories seemed to work fine. But it didn't even sound like the engine was trying to start b/c there wasn't any type of clicks or anything at all...However, when I got home from class, I tried starting it again, worked fine...so I'm thinking, is it issues w/ my starter?

[Sinyk]

Maybe the starter solenoid is going?

[GriffGirl]

Yes. It is most likely your starter.

I had mine replaced at a Start Mart (google it for ones in your area), rebuilt/installed w/lifetime guarantee for $135 out the door. Can't beat it with a stick.

[96bluevert]

thnks...I'm pretty sure that's what it is too, so I'm taking it in to have it replaced tomorrow.

oh, and that shop you mentioned Griffgirl, doesn't seem to have a great reputation looking at the reviews I found online..but who knows mabe it's a good place to go...but I decided to go to Precision Auto Tune, they've seemed to be alright so far.

[stephen_lee]

check your wire connections from the battery to the starter

i replaced my starter just to find out my wire was corroded and thats all that was wrong

[GriffGirl]

I saw the same reviews for Start Mart too, but I knew a few people who'd used them so I took my car in anyway. I was totally happy with the service. They were fast and the bill came in less than the estimate. I think they're independently operated, so maybe it depends on the location. Are you near Portland/Vancouver? I took mine in to the one on/around 122nd and Stark.

Precision - one on 82nd by Clackamas Town Center? I hate them. I've been in there a few times over the years, they were rude and overpriced. Last time I went in I was trying to replace my fuel filter myself, and ran into trouble on the bottom nut. I took my car there to ask them to replace the filter for me, and the guy told me he "didn't have time for such things." So I went to the Midas two doors down, and not only did they help me, they showed me how, loaned me tools to do it, and didn't charge me a dime.

[96bluevert]

nah, I'm nowhere near Portland or Vancouver..the closest Start Mart to my house I could find was up in Lynwood,WA.

Thanks for the advice stephen, I will take a look at it tomorrow morning when it's light out.

[95CelicaST]

I had mine replaced at a Start Mart (google it for ones in your area), rebuilt/installed w/lifetime guarantee for $135 out the door. Can't beat it with a stick.

You got taken. Start Mart did mine for $99 OTD


Matt, there is a Start Mart in Tukwila on Interurban Ave if that is closer. They did mine and I've never had problems. Good people.

[96bluevert]

yeah, Tukwila is a bit farther

Now, though, I'm really sure the starter is probably gone b/c I wasn't able to start it up at all today ...how long (about) do you all think it would take a shop to put in a new one? W/ my work schedule and everything, I'm thinking of having it done Saturday morning and hoping it could be done by the time I'd need to leave for the meet.

[95CelicaST]

Depends on how busy they are, but mine only took a couple hours.

[96bluevert]

ok, well I'm going in first thing Sat morning (8am), so hopefully it shouldn't take more than a few hours. They shouldn't be too busy that early in the morning

[rjbibeau]

smack the starter with a hammer while having somebody turn the key if it starts it's your solenoid.

[96bluevert]

ok, so I'm a dummy...cleaned up the battery terminals, tried to start it and the starter sounds like it's trying to start (multiple clicks). I tightened the terminals a little bit and have a battery charger hooked up to it now (reading a low battery). So I'm hoping that it will charge and be fine, but if not I might need to have the solenoid checked out.

[stephen_lee]

check your wire connections from the battery to the starter

i replaced my starter just to find out my wire was corroded and thats all that was wrong

should do the easy things first

ok, so I'm a dummy...cleaned up the battery terminals, tried to start it and the starter sounds like it's trying to start (multiple clicks). I tightened the terminals a little bit and have a battery charger hooked up to it now (reading a low battery). So I'm hoping that it will charge and be fine, but if not I might need to have the solenoid checked out.

This post has been edited by stephen_lee: Jun 4, 2008 - 8:32 PM

[96bluevert]

^^^ yeah no kidding..usually is something small isn't it? Still...kind of weary of the starter, but it seems to be working fine for now, so...

[sous710]

my car wouldnt start for the longest time by itsself. i replaced the battery and altornator. still nothing. i was gettimg a lil annoyed with the fact that i had to push my car and run and jump in it to pop start it. so i final took it to a shop and they looked at it and it was my starter wire.they said it was all gooked up with stuff. after they fixed it i havent had the problem since.

This post has been edited by sous710: Jun 8, 2008 - 12:36 AM

[stephen_lee]

yeah. its funny how its that wire that can make you think its going out

i replaced my battery to starter wire w/ 4ga starter wire
nice n beefy same with my grounds.