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troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:34 am
by 1taylor2few
I replaced the engine in my astro van and used my old starter which never gave me problems. It started just fine numerous times within an hour of new motor being started. The next morning it just clicked instead of turned over. I had my fiance turn the key while i hit the starter with a hammer and it started. Then, this morning, same thing but this time i hit that sucker with a hammer for 5 minutes and it never started. I brought the starter into napa and they tested it and said it was fine. I put it back in and it started right up. He said starters arent returnable so Im just wondering (if this happens tomorrow morning) if I should buy a starter or if there is ANY other reason this would be happening. Oh and the celenoid is connected to the starter. Any suggestions or advice?
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:43 am
by potskie
Possible loose or dirty connections. Also could be a bad connection at the battery.
This is atleast what it sounds like to me.
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:50 am
by 1taylor2few
I checked all connections and put a brand new battery in it. (that was a waste. I bought that first thinking the battery drained over night)
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 1:16 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
Double check your grounds as well as all connections related to the starter and charging system. Just make sure they are clean. Sounds like a loose connection someplace.
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 3:34 pm
by Smiliesafari
OR....it could be a bad starter.
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:02 pm
by kings-x59
The commutator brushes in the starter get dirty, and worn for that matter.
in the process of pulling the starter and taking it napa, the shaft probably turned and moved the dead or dirty spot on the commutator so the starter tested out fine. once the bad spot lands under a brush again, it'll do the same thing...kinda like a reverse slot machine jack pot.
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:05 pm
by Kabey's Van
kings-x59 wrote:...kinda like a reverse slot machine jack pot.
That's like an upsidedown loonie bin.
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:07 pm
by kings-x59
hmmm..must be a safari driver...
Re: troubleshooting a "click" at startup
Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:19 am
by coolen
i just went through this one. my van was doing what u described, i took it off-tested the starter itself, and it was fine. tested the solenoid, it was bad.
new starter= $165
new solenoid= $24
this was one i actually got away with a somewhat simple fix. laying in the snow to change it wasn't very much fun though.