starter help

[milleniumz]

My car is sometimes not starting....as of yesterday. I put it on the charger and the battery was fully charged and this morning, nothing, tried again and nothing, tried the third time and she started right up.

I think its time for a new starter? Any recommendations for the starter and is it easy to replace myself?

Thanks.

She has 94k miles on her and a Optima yellow top (10 mos old).

[Z34LS1]

Are you sure it's the Starter? Did it Crank Slowly with a Full Charge? It sounds like mine did when my Fuel Pump was taking a crap. Wore the Battery down cranking it over, then I thought maybe my starters not cranking it over Fast enough. Take the starter off, and have it tested. Most places can tell you how many Amps it's pulling. The Starter is not a tough job to do if it's that. Your Battery could be taking a charge but not holding it, How old is the Battery?

[milleniumz]

My battery is only 10 months old and I put in on the charger last night and took it off this morning and immediately started the car. There was nothing happening, then I tried again, and nothing....then on the third turn of the key, the car started as if nothing was wrong. Strong and immediate start.

[Z34LS1]

Sounds like your Starters Solenoid is taking a dump.

[sunsetorangess]

Was your security light flashing at you or was it on? Check your terminals and make sure they are good and tight and clean, also check the wiring on the starter itself.
J

[markzman97]

That's my first suggestion to check battery connections for tightness and corrosion, next check the battery with a good tester (my need to go to a autozone or something) I have my own because I used to work in a battery shop, it should be able to test the charging system and the battery under load, sometimes the battery will look good but put a load on it and it my not handle it. cold weather makes the worst come out in a battery. I would also check the connections to the starter.

[milleniumz]

any recommendations for replacement?

[markzman97]

I got a Bosch in mine, low cost and should last just as good as any.

[Z34LS1]

At this point DON'T REPLACE ANYTHING. You need to have it checked out before replacing anything. There is Great Advice just above.

1) Visually Inspect all conections.
a) Battery Terminals
b) Starter wire connections. (this means getting your F Body up on some ramps(be careful of Lower air Dam) and looking at the wires themselves and if possible reach your hand up in there and see if each wire is secured tightly(watch out for Hot Exhaust pipes)).
c) Ground cable off Battery to Frame.

What's listed above you should be able to do with a Buddies Help.

Next...
If Everything looks good that's listed above take the car to Autozone as stated above, or ANY OTHER AUTO PARTS STORE that has the ability to check:
1) Your Vehicles Charging System(Alternater and charging circuit)
2) Your Battery
3) Your Starter

The 3 Steps listed Above usually don't cost Anything, at least most Auto Stores around here want your Business, So they are more than willing to do All kinds of Stuff to HELP you out.

Next to the Bad News.....

If you've done All of the above, And EVERYTHING checks out Good, Your Car needs to be Serviced to find out what's wrong. Usually it's #2, or #3, but many times it's connections on the wiring or the wiring itself. If the Starter or Alternater was replaced by someone who did not Secure the wires from Harms Way you may have a cut, burnt, or damaged wire. That wire could be grounding out, or not making a connections.

You can figure this out I bet, and you'll become more familar with your car in the process.
Best of Luck, and Report Back with your findings.
Joe

[sunsetorangess]

Nice wright up Joe...

J

[milleniumz]

Thanks Joe,

I am the original owner and the alternator and starter have never been replaced. I will get under the car and check it out. If all is well, iwill follow your advice and take her to advanced auto to check the system out.

Steve