Which is bad, the starter or solenoid?

MATT073

MEMBER
1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
240,000 MILES

When starting the car, sometimes there is a 'zing' sound and it does not start. Try it again, and it starts. It does not tick (battery). It does not grind. It does not clunk or bang. It does not sound like it is stressed or struggling to spin.

I figure the solenoid is not kicking out the gear, but wanted to check. Thanks.

Matt

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Either that or the gearclutch is failng.

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Friday, May 18th, 2012 AT 5:59 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

It wouldn't matter. You would be replace the whole starter anyway.

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Friday, May 18th, 2012 AT 6:20 PM

MATT073

MEMBER
1 POST

What is the gearclutch? It is not in the diagram I looked at.

What do you mean it wouldn't matter? The solenoid is available by itself. Why change both if only the solenoid is the problem.$35 vs $130.

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Friday, May 18th, 2012 AT 6:37 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
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Because you'll end up changing the starter very shortly after and now you wasted a solenoid. You won't save much doing that anyway.

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Friday, May 18th, 2012 AT 6:41 PM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

The three common failures of starter are gearclutch, brushes, and solenoid contacts. You use to be able to buy all these parts seperately. Not anymore. Unless you have a rebuild/electrical auto shop in your area and they sell parts.