Starter Woes

[JPO]

So it's getting cold now and low and behold my starter is acting up, so last night I do some reading and I see this is an issue blah blah. But I think to myself, self - so far it isn't too bad, the car is starting up after a 5-10 second delay, not as bad as some people who's car takes a really long time.. And then this morning it took me 3 minutes to start the car. How ironic.

Any way I am calling my mechanic this am to book an appointment but in the interim my question is how long is too long to hold the key to on? This morning I held it for a 10 count then turned it off and tried again, repeat, not wanting to hold on for too long.

Thanks,
John

[mbgt72]

Just wondering, you battery is still strong correct? These cars require a rather high cold cank amperage rating. Could be something worth checking out before you go put a new starter in there.

Yea I'd recommend no longer than that. For small piston airplanes we usually say ~7 sec is long enough then wait.

[JPO]

Just wondering, you battery is still strong correct? These cars require a rather high cold cank amperage rating. Could be something worth checking out before you go put a new starter in there.

Yea I'd recommend no longer than that. For small piston airplanes we usually say ~7 sec is long enough then wait.

Thanks, I'll get the battery checked but thus far it seems ok. It was probably -2 C in my garage this am.. It's only gonna get colder.

[norcal]

Mine started acting up last winter, but I ignored it. Got through the summer as if it fixed itself but with the cold weather it's acting up again. Guess I should replace it.

Last winter I developed a routine of turning the ignition off and on again a few times, without even engaging the starter, and then on the 3rd or 4th try it usually started right up. It's never a good idea to give the starter power for more than 5-10 seconds, the risk of frying something goes up quite a bit after that.

[ninertriplezero]

Same experience as the OP, there was always a delay, maybe a couple of seconds, or a couple of tries, then it would start, even in warm weather. Once it started to get cold (not even freezing)- one morning was a full three to four minutes of repeated tries. I couldn't afford to get through the winter like that, and I've heard that the solenoid can burn if you hold it too long. so...

I replaced the starter, now it starts instantly every time. It wasn't the easiest job, Its a zero clearance area, but I'd recommend the DIY if you have the tools/time.

[sdriver]

For me I don't think it's cold temperature related so much as how long the car has been sitting un-driven. Overnight is not bad, starts to crank within 1 sec. But if it sits in the garage all weekend it takes a good 5-10 secs before it begins to crank!

This implies something is trying to charge up or the battery is weak, but I already bought a new one!

I believe the 7-second rule is for actual cranking time to avoid overheating the starter motor. This is different - the starter is doing NOTHING for 5-10 secs.


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[norcal]

I believe the 7-second rule is for actual cranking time to avoid overheating the starter motor. This is different - the starter is doing NOTHING for 5-10 secs.

It's doing nothing because the solenoid is dying. The 7-second rule is to avoid burning out relays/circuitry that is "on" when the ignition is in the start position as none of that stuff is intended to handle long loads.

[sdriver]

Ok so I should tell the dealer my starter solenoid is dying? Is that a replaceable part on its own or does it come with the motor?

Why is it like this only after sitting for 2-3 days?


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[norcal]

you can't just replace the solenoid, at least not very easily

[sdriver]

Thanks.

If I have warranty what should I say? Engine is out now!

[fastbreak88]

I have an OEM Valeo B6/B7 S4 starter I bought from JHM about 6 months ago but never installed because it turned out to be the RPM sensor. $165.00 shipped to anyone who wants it. They are $235 at JHM.



Email is quicker if anyone wants: kurtxschoolAThotmail.com

[norcal]

Thanks.

If I have warranty what should I say? Engine is out now!

that it has trouble starting? man, just take it in and let them deal with it.

[sdriver]

The engine is already out so I was wondering if there was something specific to look for before they put it back together.


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[gofaster]

I just finished changing my starter, it took 3 hours. It was a PITA, however the dealership wanted $871 parts and labor, the starter cost me $170 for a oem Valeo from partstrain.com so I saved $600. It had been giving me a hard time for the last two years. I wish I would have done it sooner. It cranks much faster and no waiting. The DIY is a lifesaver for sure!
John

[sdriver]

Got mine replaced by the dealer under warranty. It was indeed the cause of the turn-on delay. Things cranks instantly now and sounds much faster than the old starter!


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