I have a starting problem with my 91 Camaro. I just finished the ultimate TBI mods and got everything back together. The car was in the garage so I started the car and drove into the driveway. I was getting a DTC so I shut it off and got the code (Code 33-Vacuum Leak). I fixed the vacuum leak and then attempted to start the car again. The starter engaged and turned the flywheel and attempted to start but did not start the car. I tried again but hit the gas and the same thing happened. Now when I try and start the car it gets worse. The solenoid will move but not turn the motor and now it just makes a noise and does nothing. I tried to jump-start the battery and it still does nothing. I'm thinking its the alternator but I don't know. The lights will come on in the car and the headlights work but they are slow and then work fine after a couple of seconds. I am getting really frustrated. Sorry for the long post. Please help!

 

It's possible your battery is dead. Note that your battery will not accept a charge (via jump) any colder than around 30 degrees. I know this first-hand. If you're sure your battery is fine, you may have a problem with your starter. Get your battery checked before you buy a starter for $125 though. You don't want to spend money on things you don't need. From what you describe, I believe it's a failure with delivering sufficient power to your starter, and not the starter itself. My lights still worked absolutely fine when my battery is almost dead. Remember that your starter takes hundreds of amps to turn over the engine, whereas your headlights only need a few. Hope I could help.

 

The starter is fairly new (about 2 months). I took my car down to Autozone about 2 months ago and they said my alternator wasn't pullings as many amps as it should. The volt gauge on my car reads about 10.5V when it is key on, engine off. I am stumped.

 

That's too low. Your battery should be testing around 12V.

 

I know now that I probably need a new battery. About the alternator, when it was tested, it was pulling around 65 amps will it was supposed to pull around 75 amps. Is that also too low or will I be okay?

 

I checked the fuses today. All of them are fine. I am going to buy a new battery (I don't know how old it is) and battery cables. If that doesn't do it, I am going to take the starter off and get it tested. One question though, I was looking at my starter and I was wondering if something connects to the body of the starter. There are three wires that go up to the solenoid but there is a stud and lockwasher on the body of the starter. Is that supposed to connect to something?

 

If it's the stud that sticks out the back end of the starter (opposite end from the teeth), it's for the little bracket that supports it. Nothing electrical.

 

It is that stud. Thanks, I was worried there for a minute.

 

Benm109,

Before you spend the money I would strongly suggest changing the spark plugs. I spent a whole lot of time and money chasing things on my car and at the suggestion of this board I changed the plugs (even though they were only 2 months old) and the car has ran great ever since. Mine is a 91 also. If you messed with the TBI and flooded it you probably trashed the plugs. It is a pain in the butt but I would start there first.

 

I put on new spark plugs one week ago. But, I will take some spark plugs out and check them out.

 

if it is just making a ticking noise when you turn it over, it might be your ignition switch.

 

I fixed the problem. I bought new battery cables and installed them and filled the battery with distilled water. It started right up with no hesitation. Whew! I was worried there for a minute. Thanks for all your help everybody. I owe you one, Token!

 

lets grab a beer hehe

 

I'd love to but I am 18.