starter problem?

**SSickLS1** · 05-02-2011, 08:43 AM

2002 ls1 with 24k on the clock
original starter
i drive this car weekly for about 15-20 miles a trip never had a problem, yesterday i took it out and it started fine and everything but wen i went to the gas station to fill up and went to restart it, there was no power at all, no clicking or anything but yet the battery is perfect and all the lights and radio worked like it should.
i kept trying to turn the key over and over and still nothing at all, so im led to believe its the starter? i jacked up the car in the gas station and tapped the starter while a friend tried to turn it over and it worked after a few trys.
does this definatley mean i need a new starter or did i just get lucky it worked?
also isnt this kind of odd that it would go out on me with 24k miles on it?
do i need to remove my longtube header to replace it?

**My00Z28** · 05-02-2011, 09:52 AM

one of the wires in your starter motor could of came loose hitting it can make them touch a second to start the car... the car is still from 02 it could just be because its "older"... no you shouldn't have to remove your long-tubes to replace it, i say that because i installed my starter with the long-tubes installed... i may be wrong but someone will chime in if i am.

**SSickLS1** · 05-02-2011, 10:19 AM

somebody told me about a starter relay, should i look into that before i do the starter itself?

**My00Z28** · 05-02-2011, 10:56 AM

it might help to look in to that its a lot cheaper than a started look online on how to test relays so that you can kick that out! more than likely its your starter!

**SSickLS1** · 05-02-2011, 11:05 AM

what would you recommend as for getting a new one? what brands are good?

**vicjr** · 05-02-2011, 11:13 AM

Lots of times starters fail when they're hot . Its funny then you take em off , go get it tested and they work fine .

**My00Z28** · 05-02-2011, 11:14 AM

it all depends on what you want. i would get anything really with at least a limited lifetime warranty(which means the first replacement if free for life until you replace it once then its 90days after that and your warranty is gone!) i work at advance auto parts and we sell worldwide starters(remans) which are great we put those in all of your cars when they go out with no problems. its all up to you on what u want!

**My00Z28** · 05-02-2011, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by vicjr

Lots of times starters fail when they're hot . Its funny then you take em off , go get it tested and they work fine .

my dads truck did something like that it wouldn't start the truck we took it off got it tested and it worked fine the problem was the AMP drain was super high so we replaced it..

**98maro** · 05-02-2011, 11:56 AM

my car had the same problem, i bought a new starter and at the the it had something to do with the Vats yeah that surprised me

**SSickLS1** · 05-02-2011, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by 98maro

my car had the same problem, i bought a new starter and at the the it had something to do with the Vats yeah that surprised me

please elaborate on this "Vats"

**JayTA98** · 05-02-2011, 01:19 PM

Have you noticed if the security light is on when the car won't start? IF is on then you are having a VATS issue. Here is the link:

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61262

If the security light is off then it could be starter related. One way to find out for sure is to grab a test light or voltmeter and get underneath the car right under the starter. There is a small wire that goes to the solenoid that gives power to make the starter crank. If you put the test light from ground to this cable and someone tries to crank the car you should see the test light turn on or the voltmeter will read 12v. If you don't see it then there is either a problem with the starter relay, ignition switch or VATS.

If you see 12v, then check for 12v (or light)from ground to the big starter wire that comes from the battery. This checks that the battery wire is good. Also check the starter ground. Check for 12v (or light)from the starter ground terminal (at the starter itself) to the 12v terminal at the starter. It should read 12volts. This checks the ground wire. Make sure the wires are clean and not corroded.