My 1989 Trans AM GTA has been having problems. After driving it for about 30 minutes, I turn it off and it will not start again until after the starter solenoid cools.

I installed a Ford starter solenoid remotely. I found directions online and completed them without any problems.

Now, after driving the car for about 30 minutes I turn it off then try to restart it and it just cranks the motor over like normal, but the car wont start. After waiting a few minutes it finally starts but it is slow and choppy and takes a while. Once started, the car runs great no issues.

I had the alternator tested and its fine, I bought a brand new Optima Red top battery and double checked all the wires. It seems like its not getting gas but this did not happen until I put this remote solenoid in. I turn the key and I can hear the fuel pump kick on.

Has anyone else installed a Ford solenoid and had similar issues? Can this configration effect anything computer related that would prevent the car from starting?

Here is the link that I used for the directions on how to install the remote starter solenoid:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3D1%26hl%3Den

 

I don't see how installing a remote solenoid would cause any type of problem. If you crank it the solenoid is doing what it is supposed to do once the engine starts turning over. Also, the solenoid shouldn't affect the computer just because the computer generally isn't governing fuel control at that point. You should cool off enough to get the engine back into open loop mode unless its on the hottest of summer days. I guess to make sure it isn't the starter or starter solenoid related you could pickup a different starter and a heat shield from the parts store and try installing them. I had the same problem with my camaro when I installed the headers. Burnt up a couple of starters just living with the problem. Installed a $10 heat shield and haven't had the problem since.

 

Thanks for your response. Today I installed all 2 gage wire from the battery to the battery cutoff switch to the remote solenoid then to the starter. I also put a metal plate across the terminals on the starter solenoid to short the two leads.

This seemed to have worked but at times after engine shutdown today it sounded sluggish on restart. I am going to look online tonight for a starter heat shield. This is the last idea that I have to solve this problem and I hope it works.

Thanks

 

i tried one from summit, $16.99 & shipping. it is a fiberglass blanket with alum outside. it's easy to install

 

What?

Here's the one I use:

Are you sure this isn't a VATS problem?

 

Damn, looks good. I will need to install one too.
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I just noticed that under your engine picture you asked "are you sure it isnt a VATS problem". I dont think is, wouldnt the no start condition exist on a cold engine too if it were a VATS issue?

My engine cranks fine when cold but hard to restart when hot.

 

It can act just like a heat soak problem.
Check the security light. If it does not go off when you turn the key on for a hot restart, it's the problem.
Does your setup have headers?
Depending on the starter you have, here is the part number for the HEAT SHIELD shown in the picture. It is for the full size delco starter.

 

HUMMMM??? I did not check that, but I will thanks for the info!

 

I know this is stating the obvious but, the starter is fairly recent right, not the original?

 

I had the same problem with a car that I worked on. After the car reached normal temp and you cut it off it would not start (no click not a sound). Changed everything (starter, battery, starter wires and so on). We then got rid of the factor starter slnd key switch and put in a push button starter from the battery, never had that problem again. Now we did have a case where after the car was hot it would turn over but not start. It would start after it sat for a while or we sprayed starter fluid into the tb. That was fixed with a little computer tunning.

 

I looked to ensure that the security light went out after start, shutdown and restart and it did. I don't think its a VATS issue.

I went to home depot and bought some insulation and some aluminum tape and wrapped the crap out of the starter. I drove it for about 20 minutes, got it up to operating temperature, shut it down and it started right back up easily.

I will have to drive it more to validate the fix.