starter problem

Spelchy · Sep 5th, 2003, 11:48 PM

hi. I drive an 87 pulsar w/ca16de. I went to start my car today, and i turned the key and it did nothing. I don't suspect that the starter is actually dead, because there were no signs leading up to this occurence. I am lead to believe that I have a bad ground somewhere, and am wondering where the starter / switches/ grounds for the starter is on this engine. Ive been push-starting all day, except occasionaly the car starts fine, no deal. Wierd.. anyway, if anyone has had some kind of similar situation or suggestion, that'd be nice. I'm not familiar with vehicular electronics.. i'd take it in to get fixed, but i have no time this weekend. thanx

Myetball · Sep 6th, 2003, 01:29 AM

B-B-B-B-Battery! Take it to auto zone or another parts place and have them check it for free. Even a bad battery will hold a charge for a little while. That's why sometimes it starts and others it don't.

Spelchy · Sep 6th, 2003, 11:19 AM

ok, i'll do that. the battery's still under warranty. but when i turn the key, my stereo and everything still turns on.. why is that?

Myetball · Sep 6th, 2003, 11:27 AM

Well, it could be you still have enought juice to run the radio. Of course it could be a bad starter solenoid. If it won't start try whacking the solenoid with a wrench and see if it starts.

Spelchy · Sep 6th, 2003, 03:51 PM

where is this solenoid located?

Myetball · Sep 6th, 2003, 04:27 PM

It's connected to the starter, about the size of a small soup can.

Spelchy · Sep 6th, 2003, 04:33 PM

ok, thanks. i think i might have solved the problem... I cleaned my battery posts really good and the car started O.K, so im letting it run.. maybe the battery just needs to charge up a bit (its really really small)... makes sense to me. If that doesnt work, i'll try the solenoid bit.

Spelchy · Sep 18th, 2003, 07:09 PM

hi, the problem has persisted. I have cleaned my battery posts/cables, and i took my battery in and had it tested for free, and it's fine. the car still doesn't start most of the time. I tried hitting the solenoid but it's so hard to get at that i would have to take the whole thing off just to do so, while it is attatched i can barely even tap it. Is there a way I can test my starter without taking it off? I'm pretty sure that something's wrong with it, or there's just some bad wires somewhere. If this can't be done, is there a place that might test this for me for cheap or free (like a quote)? thanks in advance

Myetball · Sep 18th, 2003, 08:32 PM

Best bet is just roll up your sleeves and do the dirty work of taking it off. That way you can take it to have it tested and inspect all the wires.

Spelchy · Sep 18th, 2003, 08:40 PM

I suppose that would be the cheapest way. I talked around and there's a locally owned place that I got referred to, they'd check the starter for free, which would rule. I'd be extra enthusiastic about doing it myself if i didn't have severe time constraints.. (school / work / homework) thanks Myetball for all the advice.. i'll keep posted as time progresses