Wierd Electrical Anomoly...

[Houston FZJ80]

Something wierd just happened that I have never experienced before... when I started my '95 80 (147K) after sitting for about 45min, it turned over, started running VERY rough and all the dash lights lit up. Also, is seemed like the starter was still turning. Shut it down and it started up like normal and it runs perfect now. I think I might have just turn the key enough to catch the starter and then let it go sooner than I usually do... it usually starts easily.

Anybody else have an electrical gremlin like this that just pops up and goes away... or is this the start of the end ? Never had any electrical problems before.

 

[alaskacruiser]

The starter still turning and this happening intermittently sounds to me like your starter contacts are heading south.

 

[cruiserdan]

The contacts hung up. You were lucky that they broke loose. You need new contacts NOW.

 

[Beowulf]

Houston, we have a problem.

As C-Dan says, you need to replace those contacts immediately. We have had 2 reports (one within the past week or two) of electrical system fires due to neglected starter contacts. They almost always give you plenty of warning but can fail to break loose resulting in big problems. You've been informed.

-B-

 

[Eduardo96FZJ80]

I still have a set sitting on the garage shelf, I really should get that job done!
Just turned 144k !

 

[Scamper]

It amazes me that with all the discussion about the starter contact problems (e.g., burnouts and fires) and with such an easy and inexpensive PM item (truly a 1 job) that anyone would even consider putting this off. If you have 100K on your truck and you haven't yet done this service...you're playing with fire. (pun intended, but I don't think it's funny--especially if it's happened to you).

I did mine at 90-something K and can say that the contacts were almost like new. That said, I can now go another 100K and not have to worry about them. For about $35 (including plunger thru the smart-shopper program), that's what I call peace of mind.

 

[Brentbba]

OMG - search on starters!!!!!

If you haven't replaced or repaired that starter by now you are a fool, first class. See especially posts from me about the problems I had. You are experiencing the EXACT symptoms. In my case, I procrastinated and not only froze the starter, I fried the alternator and drained the battery.

RUN to get either the parts to fix it as Dan and Beo have suggested or get a remfg and slap it in quickly.

 

[Houston FZJ80]

Fool?

I guess since I haven't fried the starter yet (or the alternator) and you did, and I asked the question and ordered the parts to fix it this week, does that make you a Major fool?

 

[Brentbba]

I guess since I haven't fried the starter yet (or the alternator) and you did, and I asked the question and ordered the parts to fix it this week, does that make you a Major fool?

hehehe - Yep - especially since I had one starter that had already gone and recognized the symptoms the second time around and streched it just a little too long.

Just want others to benefit from my bite in the wallet and poke some fun at the same time. Hope your repairs are in time. Good Luck!

 

[Beowulf]

>> I guess since I haven't fried the starter yet [...] does that make you a Major fool? <<

Give Brent a break as he was trying to give you the benefit of his $$$ experience. He only lost a starter, a battery, and an alternator. Others have caught their trucks on fire and I wouldn't consider their replies as foolish just because they have a sense of urgency to them.

-B-

 

[TopGear]

I suppose a quick search will tell me whether this also affects a 1992

 

[Scamper]

it does

 

[Brentbba]

>> I guess since I haven't fried the starter yet [...] does that make you a Major fool? <<

Give Brent a break as he was trying to give you the benefit of his $$$ experience. He only lost a starter, a battery, and an alternator. Others have caught their trucks on fire and I wouldn't consider their replies as foolish just because they have a sense of urgency to them.

-B-

Thx B! Didn't loose the battery tho. It held a charge and has been fine. Gave the dude the benefit of the doubt on his response. We all have our 'online' personalities that don't come accross on the written word until you've read lots of posts from them. Just look how Junk would seem to a newbie..... hehehe We luv ya Junk! Don't change for anyone!