My t/a left me stranded today in a busy parking lot. Just recently the last few starts have made weird electrical sounds while cranking almost a outdoor transformer type sound mixed with a crank. The car still started but barely. Today it went out completely.

I got a ride to the yard and they gave me a good used starter, only to get back and find out it was from a caprice and was huge. So I took the solenoid off and put it on my old starter, same **** dead ignition no start. After waiting for a tow and all this B/S I called it a day.

Anyone know if it could be wiring? Or my complete starter is toast not just the solenoid?

 

Sorry to hear that! What is the condition of your battery and connections? If replacing the solenoid didn't help, it sounds like the brushes inside the starter are worn out or the armature shaft bushings are starting to seize. If your starter is out, try bench testing it. It's by no means a definitive test, but if you see the gear pop out and spin quickly, it might be ok. From what you are describing, I doubt it will even pass a bench test. I would suggest you send the original starter out for a rebuild or replace it with a new or good remanufactured unit. Also check your connections at the battery to make sure they are clean and tight. Check the wiring to the starter for voltage as well.