OT: starter / soleniod
11-29-2006, 12:20 PM
#1
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OT: starter / soleniod
Okay, this is off topic because it deals with something other than my Mustang. It's my beloved 1996 Geo Tracker. But I know some people here run them and I really didn't really want to join a Chevy / Geo forum for one question, so here goes.
I think either my starter or my solenoid is bad. When I go to start the truck, nothing happens. No cranking, no clicking that I can hear, nothing. So I pop the hood, tap the starter with a hammer a couple of times, and she starts right up. Last week it happened twice. Now it happens every single time I try to start the truck. I figure that one of the two are failing, but I'm not sure which one. I don't want to waste time buying a starter if I only need a solenoid. But I don't want to buy a solenoid if I don't need that either. I have also heard that in some manufacturers, the solenoid is included in the starter when you purchase it.
I am thinking it's the starter and not the solenoid, but is there any way to tell for sure (or at least get a better idea) beaides taking it off and testing it?
Sorry for the OT thing, but it can semi relate to Mustangs because the same thing can happen to them! I know, it's a stretch.
I think either my starter or my solenoid is bad. When I go to start the truck, nothing happens. No cranking, no clicking that I can hear, nothing. So I pop the hood, tap the starter with a hammer a couple of times, and she starts right up. Last week it happened twice. Now it happens every single time I try to start the truck. I figure that one of the two are failing, but I'm not sure which one. I don't want to waste time buying a starter if I only need a solenoid. But I don't want to buy a solenoid if I don't need that either. I have also heard that in some manufacturers, the solenoid is included in the starter when you purchase it.
I am thinking it's the starter and not the solenoid, but is there any way to tell for sure (or at least get a better idea) beaides taking it off and testing it?
Sorry for the OT thing, but it can semi relate to Mustangs because the same thing can happen to them! I know, it's a stretch.
11-29-2006, 01:25 PM
#3
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RE: OT: starter / soleniod
Ok, that's what I wanted to check. In that case I'll just spend the $104 or so and replace the entire unit.
So given the symptons, it definately seems like one of those two. Someone else was saying it was the neutral safety switch, but if that were the case, I donb't see how using a hammer on the starter would rectify it.
So given the symptons, it definately seems like one of those two. Someone else was saying it was the neutral safety switch, but if that were the case, I donb't see how using a hammer on the starter would rectify it.
11-29-2006, 01:31 PM
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Colorado
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RE: OT: starter / soleniod
Around here if you take the starter into Napa, they can test it for you...
but +1 on doubting if you hit it with a hammer and it working the problem being the neutral safety switch
but +1 on doubting if you hit it with a hammer and it working the problem being the neutral safety switch
11-29-2006, 02:18 PM
#7
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RE: OT: starter / soleniod
ORIGINAL: samseed101
Ok, that's what I wanted to check. In that case I'll just spend the $104 or so and replace the entire unit.
So given the symptons, it definately seems like one of those two. Someone else was saying it was the neutral safety switch, but if that were the case, I donb't see how using a hammer on the starter would rectify it.
Ok, that's what I wanted to check. In that case I'll just spend the $104 or so and replace the entire unit.
So given the symptons, it definately seems like one of those two. Someone else was saying it was the neutral safety switch, but if that were the case, I donb't see how using a hammer on the starter would rectify it.
11-29-2006, 03:39 PM
#9
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RE: OT: starter / soleniod
Yeah, I'm probably not even going to waste my time testing it. Found a new one at AutoZone with lifetime warranty for $104. I'm going to pick it up today and hopefully get it installed tonight when I get home.
11-29-2006, 10:45 PM
#10
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RE: OT: starter / soleniod
WTF: I have absolutely no f'ing clue how the hell to remove the bolts holding the starter in place. The damned thing is buried so far in the back that I can't reach it. I can barely see it, and there's no way I can get my hand in there with a wrench. If I try a socket it won't fit on because the stupid add tranny dipstick gets in the way. Im gonig to end up having to take this POS to a shop to get it done before I get too pissed off and blow the thing up. Now I remember why I don't buy chevy products.
