Starter issues

Tiny
DGOODWIN1
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • 2.8L
  • V6
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,325 MILES
When I turn my key to ignite the engine, the car will not start; I do not get anything. Sometimes it will, sometimes it will not. When I tap the starter it spins but it will not kick out into the flywheel. I have been stuck at times for up to thirty minutes then the car will finally crank out of nowhere. I have been told my starter solenoid is stuck. I have also been told I need a safety neutral switch. I need a solution!
Sunday, July 30th, 2017 AT 11:49 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
First or first opportunity have battery checked for cleanliness, condition including a load test most places do for free. Check fusible links for a good connection both sides they may not be should have battery voltage both sides. See picture, then take starter to auto parts and have checked the starter drive may be bad if it will spin but will not turn engine over which will require a rebuilt starter.
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Sunday, July 30th, 2017 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
DGOODWIN1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Well I purchased a new starter a couple weeks ago. It was working just fine until this weekend. I went to start the car and it didn't crank on the first try. The starter finally kicked after the second try. Today I jump in my car and go to start it and I'm getting the the same results I was getting in the first place. Starter won't do anything when I turn the key. Brand new starter, mind you. Tried to bump the starter under their hood with the key in the "on" position; it only spins, the car will not crank. I can't win for losing. Lol, I just tried it one last time and it just cranked out of nowhere as I'm typing this. What's going on with this car man!
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Friday, August 11th, 2017 AT 5:43 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,648 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a positive battery cable that is bad, I would replace it with a new one and see what happens. Also when you say brand new starter do you mean rebuilt and if so what brand it is?

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, August 14th, 2017 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
DGOODWIN1
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
It is a rebuilt duralast starter from AutoZone.
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Monday, August 14th, 2017 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 52,648 POSTS
Yep, I would remove it and install an AC Delco, you can get it from Amazon or Rockauto
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Monday, August 14th, 2017 AT 7:51 PM

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