So my starter only seems to engage 1/20 times I try to start the car. My starter still sounds like it works when it engages, but that's WHEN it does.

I drive a clutch. So imagine what happens when you try to start the car with the clutch not pushed in all the way...nothing happens, doesn't start, starter doesn't engage, etc.

This is exactly what happens when I try to start my car EXCEPT the clutch IS pressed down all the way.

Any advice?? I am terrified of driving it anywhere on the chance that it just doesn't start again.

 

Try swapping the starter relay for the fan relay and see what happens...you dont actually have to put the starter relay into the fan relay position for a quick test...you just want to see if the starter relay is good or not.

 

No joy. I tried that...good idea...but I guess its not the relay.

 

it was worth a try, since its a snap to swap them...You are sure the battery is good? battery terminals all clean? good connections at the starter? ground strap clean on both ends? Is the clutch switch OK?

 

All the other electronics work...stereo, air, etc.

My friend said to try unplugging the batter for a few minutes and plugging it back in. Did that, but still no joy... UGH. I really don't want to take this to a dealership and have it be a 500 dollar problem...

 

I did some looking, someone else had similar problems on a VW and a response told him that it was the starter solenoid not getting any current and if the relays checked out then a new solenoid was in order.

They aren't too expensive but does anyone have thoughts regarding this before I go out and spend some money?

 

it looks like American Muscle has a pretty decent solenoid for $20...
see the installation write up someone did. I know you can short the contacts with a screwdriver to see if it will spin the starter, but you would most likely be under the car...I would be nervous as hell doing that. Looks like jacking up the car and pulling the starter for testing is the safer option.

 

Well pulling the starter is easy. So it doesn't spin or it spins, but won't engage.

 

check the safety switch on the clutch pedal miss alianed not enough contact?

 

I took the starter off and hooked it up via jumper cables straight to the battery, no joy, no spins, no nothing. Gonna take it to O'Reilly's for a second test just to confirm while I wait for the solenoid from American Muscle.