Very infrequently, the starter will not turn

JOHNPCAMPBELL

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

When winter comes around, very infrequently, the starter will not turn. When I turn the key, the electrical system seems to be normal, but the starter will not turn. This same problem happened last year. At that time we replaced the battery, starter, starter selinoid, and starer relay. I have replaced the battery again, as well as the starter relay. That did'nt help. But having said that, just before the tow truck arrived, the car started. Where do I start with this intermittent problem. Thanks, John Campbell

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

When the starter does not turn at times that is most always the solenoid. Here is a guide that talks about this in more detail:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Basically the solenoid gets a worn spot and when it is resting on this spot it will just click or not do anything.

Clicking the starter a few times will normally get it to move enough to get the starter to turn.

If it were me, I would just replace the starter again as it comes with the solenoid on it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

below is the info from the manual on how to replace the starter.

Please run through this info and let us know if you have other questions or need more info.

Thanks

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