For about two weeks I've been dealing with a starter problem that's either all or nothing. When I turn the key I either get a single click or it starts - nothing in between.
Unfortunately I have to go through as many as twenty or so times before it starts. I bought a new battery (the old one was over four years old) but that did not make a difference.
It's kind of like a maddening roulette.
I'm about to get try a starter but I'm wondering this is something I can do myself. I crawled under the van tonight and reseated the connectors. All I can find (I can only see one) are two retaining bolts. The starter in general looks like it's in a tight spot as far as removal is concerned. Can anyone advise a) if the starter sounds likethe culprit and b) can a do-it-yourselfer finagle the thing out and get another one in? Thanks!
peter_x
09-10-2008, 07:14 AM
I had the same problem on my old '93 3.3. The problem was rust where the wire connects to the bottom of the starter (a bolt through an eyelet connector). I cleaned it out and it was fine. From then on you could tell the starter was drawing more power. I didn't have to remove the starter.
Totohydra
09-10-2008, 06:39 PM
I have since been informed that it is very likely a solonoid contacts replacement issue. Possibly a "plunger" as well. I went to two auto parts stores and the closest item they could sell was the whole starter. Does anyone know if this is a repair shop-only task or am I just looking in the wrong places for parts?
peter_x
09-10-2008, 07:13 PM
Well I think you can try what I told you without even raising the car (I can't remember if that wire I'm talking about was on the solenoid or starter). If you do need to replace the starter, you may have to remove the front transmission mount. You will need a way to support the engine. It's an easy enough job if you have a good jack and stands.
scotta
09-11-2008, 11:26 AM
Have a look at the following post, seems like the same problem.
The starter is a bit difficult to get out but shouldn't take more than an hour or 2 to do the whole job. The copper ring on the plunger can usually just be sanded down on the underside.
Caravan05850
09-11-2008, 01:30 PM
My 2000 did the same thing. I went to a starter/alternator rebuild shop and bought a positive and negative solenoid contact for about $2.00 total. I replaced the burned out one w/out taking the starter out. If I remember right it was the positive one. You can tell its bad because the metal will be really thin. I would have had to take the starter out to replace the negative contact, but that one was fine. It is the positive contact that burns out. Be sure to disconnect the battery first, but it should take you about half an hour to do the job. I also took some emery cloth to the plunger and cleaned that up as well. Its been almost two years now and I haven't had a problem.
