Starting Problems

Flinte · 04-09-07, 11:14 AM

I am having troubles starting my 80 without a jump. The starter will not engage the first couple of tries and sometimes not at all. The battery is new and the alternator "appears" to recharge the battery just fine. I have been adding stereo equipment over the last 3 or 4 months, new head unit speakers and 2 amplifiers. These all hook directly to the battery but "shut off" when the radio is off. I would prefer, however, to track the problem without guessing at its source. I suppose I'm asking for info on properly testing the alternator, battery, starter/solinoid and the actual drain on the batter when the car is on and when it is off. Any ideas appreciated.

Flinte · 04-09-07, 11:20 AM

If it is just my stereo draining the battery. I was concidering a battery guard or a dual batter setup with one starter and the stereo on a deep cycle. Any prefered solution?

Beowulf · 04-09-07, 11:25 AM

Flinte,
You will get more accurate responses if you give us more information. Year and engine, mileage, prior maintenance (you did mention it has a new battery.)

Could you be more descriptive on "the starter will not engage the first couple of tries ... "? This kinda sounds like your starter contacts need to be replaced but you also imply that a jump start fixes the problem.

Read up on problems with the starter contacts and see if that describes your problems.

-B-

Flinte · 04-09-07, 02:03 PM

Thanks for the reply. My TLC is a 96 FZJ. When I turn the key you hear a clunk but the starter does not turn over. It is very similar to when I have had a bad battery(current battery is 2 months old.) Like the solenoid is energized but not enough juice to turn the engine. As I stated, I think the problem lies with my stereo installation, but I have been burned in the past by making an assumption of what was wrong. Mostly, I am looking for valid ways to test the starting components. Also, I will do the search you recommended and one on starting problems.

Beowulf · 04-09-07, 02:12 PM

Flinte,

Try to focus. Read the replies you get and respond to them as best you can.

What is the mileage on your 96?
Has the starter been replaced or repaired?
Any other pertinent maintenance that we should know?

If you have ~100k miles and you are not 100% certain the starter has been repaired/replaced then that is your culprit (90% chance.) Fixing the starter is almost certainly more likely to take care of this issue than a dual battery system.

-B-

jjhancock · 04-09-07, 02:13 PM

How many miles on the rig? My starter went at 98k and my symptoms were similar. Considering the cost for new starter contacts and plunger is about 36 bucks from CDan, and it only takes a couple hours to pull the starter, replace the contacts and plunger, and re-install, I'd do it anyway.

Since I have done this I have not had one issue with starting. I'd be willing to bet that if your battery is holding a good charge that your stereo is not the problem, rather the starter.

Might be a good idea to go by your friendly neighborhood autozone or napa and have them wheel the cart out and test your battery and alternator first. Good luck.