Hi everyone,

I'm wondering whether or not the starter on my car is dying (see my profile on the side for the car's info). I don't have the resources or know-how to check for myself, but I do have symptoms, so hopefully someone can help me out based on how I'm going to describe it. I searched through the archives, and I believe I have an idea of what's going on, but I want to post my specific symptoms just to be sure.

When I cold started the car in the past, I used to hear the sound of something whirring right before I turn the key to the on position to the start position, and then a click, and the car will start with no problem, no matter what the weather was. But recently, I've found that this sound hardly ever comes on (especially when it's 45 degrees or below outside), and as a result, the car is very difficult to start. It's not so bad in warmer weather, though, but it's still stubborn to start from time to time in warmer weather; sometimes it will take me a couple of tries before the car successfully starts up.

Here's what I've replaced for non-related reasons within the last year and a half / 2 years:

* New battery (new Die-Hard SUV/Truck battery, same as the Die-Hard Gold, but with the side terminal connectors for the MSD ignition box),
* Alternator (re-manufactured ProStart 105 amp), and the
* Sparkplugs (used AC Delco copper plugs, since the car didn't like platinum plugs much).

I've checked the plug wires, and those are fine. Could my starter simply be in need of replacement?

 

Sounds more like your fuel pump relay has left the building! That "whirr-click" you use to hear was the relay allowing the fuel pump to prime the fuel system.

No "whirr-click", no fuel system prime. It has to get oil pressure up while you are cranking before the fuel pump will come on....oil pressure will come up quicker in warmer weather so it will start easier when its' warm.

 

Gah, I just replaced that 6 months ago too!

How could the relay fail so soon?

 

Hmmmm.....

That does seem odd.

I am not well versed in the wireing of one, so it makes me wonder if, perhaps, there might be a fuse or fuseable link that is blown.

If I'm not mistaken, it does have a fuse...might check that first. Maybe someone else will come in and give a bit more info as to what and where to check.

But, it could be worse! They aren't terribly expensive, and easily changed. Could be a "revolving" bad pump!!!!!(the reason for the access door fabricated in my rear floorpan! )

 

If the starter is turning the engine over good and it's not grinding or anything then your starter is good for now. If the pump eventually turns on and the car starts your fuse isn't blown for it. But might as well take a look at that, make sure it has a good connection, not corroded or anything. The fuse for the fuel pump (i think it's also for the computer), atleast on my car, is next to battery in a black fuse capsule. Try taping on the relay before you turn the key and see if that'll change anything.

 

What do you mean by grinding? Lately I've been getting a grinding sound coming from around the rear passenger side of the engine bay whenever I accelerate. Could that be related to what you're talking about?

I can try and get a video capture of startup and acceleration if that can help better describe the problem.

 

I think the grinding noise when accelerating is unrelated. I'm talknig about when your truning the engine over if it grinds, that would mean either the flywheel or the starter gear is damaged.