What the crap!?! Starter stopped working.

Sallad · 08-30-2005, 12:04 PM

Hi all...

I pulled into a parking stall, walked into a store 2 mins later I come out and the car wouldn't start!

I have full power with everything. And it fires right up when I push start it.

Could this be just a messed up starter wires? (searching on that now) Before this happened it did seem like the starter was struggling once and a while. But I just assumed it was because of the 20w50 oil and colder mornings.

Ahhhh, this is starting to **** me off.

Thanks everyone.

CGTBrad · 08-30-2005, 12:23 PM

j/k I'd check for voltage at the starter. The wires are a good place to start; as it gets pretty hot there.

1984cgtturbo · 08-30-2005, 12:35 PM

I've had a few starters go over the years, there is usually some indication that it is getting weak. Slower turnover, clicking, etc.

AudiCGTSB · 08-30-2005, 12:40 PM

As I think I have this problem also. Does anyone know if you can lubricate the solonoid?

4corners · 08-30-2005, 03:39 PM

Rally_nutcase_1982 · 08-30-2005, 06:00 PM

the magnet switch. If it does engage the magnet switch (engages the fork to pull the starter gear in place) then my next guess would be that the Brushes are too low or totally gone (if this starter has brushes of course).
This is just a blind guess because I haven't taken out the starter yet, but the little I know about these things - this is what I'd check.
First the cable connections of course ;-)

Good luck!

powerkraut · 08-30-2005, 06:13 PM

that steel-wool looking copper braid between the solenoid and starter motor corrodes away after all these years. i'd check that, get something plastic in behind it and see if it's severed. i fixed mine with a 3-wire braid of 12/2 copper house wire and 2 ring terminals coated in liquid electrical tape... still works today too.

Cdn Blue Coupe · 08-31-2005, 05:54 AM

Sallad · 08-31-2005, 09:58 AM

Sallad · 08-31-2005, 10:01 AM

Well I jacked it up and crawled underneath. I checked for voltage on the main wire (yellow) and I'm getting a full 12 volts. All the other wires "look" fine. A few strands are frayed on one of the smaller ones, but 85% intact. I felt the copper braid and it "feels" intact as well. I'll try to slip something small in there to see if it's broken.

The only "clicking" sound I get is from under the dash. Sounds like a relay or something. Other than that, the starter is quiet when I try to crank it over.

Worse come to worse, I make a trip to the junkyard. There are 3 4ks's there, so I'll just grab another starter.

Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.

08-30-2005, 12:23 PM	#2
CGTBrad AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 8,994	must be the cheap gas ;) j/k I'd check for voltage at the starter. The wires are a good place to start; as it gets pretty hot there. __________________ ---------------------------------------- Brad B. Nashville 1987.5 CGT 2.3 Special Build 2001 TT 225

08-30-2005, 12:35 PM	#3
1984cgtturbo AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 1,914	Re: Could have the wrong air in the tires. :- P I've had a few starters go over the years, there is usually some indication that it is getting weak. Slower turnover, clicking, etc.

08-30-2005, 12:40 PM	#4
AudiCGTSB AudiWorld Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 234	It might be a sticky solonoid on the starter As I think I have this problem also. Does anyone know if you can lubricate the solonoid?

08-30-2005, 03:39 PM	#5
4corners AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,813	Key in upsidedown??

08-30-2005, 06:00 PM	#6
Rally_nutcase_1982 Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 7,956	Does it make the starting "clicking" noise? If not then I'd start investigating the magnet switch. If it does engage the magnet switch (engages the fork to pull the starter gear in place) then my next guess would be that the Brushes are too low or totally gone (if this starter has brushes of course). This is just a blind guess because I haven't taken out the starter yet, but the little I know about these things - this is what I'd check. First the cable connections of course ;-) Good luck! __________________ Every good driver has bugs stuck to his door windows - do it sideways ;-) Visit us @www.motoring-foundation.com or the ACNA-NJ Chapter

Welcome to AudiWorld!
		Welcome to AudiWorld.com. You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join AudiWorld.com today!

08-30-2005, 06:13 PM	#7
powerkraut Elder Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 16,069	same thing happened to me twice, bus cable both times. that steel-wool looking copper braid between the solenoid and starter motor corrodes away after all these years. i'd check that, get something plastic in behind it and see if it's severed. i fixed mine with a 3-wire braid of 12/2 copper house wire and 2 ring terminals coated in liquid electrical tape... still works today too.

08-31-2005, 05:54 AM	#8
Cdn Blue Coupe AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,326	What do you expect if you don't change the air in your tires every 3 months __________________ <font color="blue"><big>Cdn Blue Coupe</big> </font> 85 Coupe GT, 2.2 kx, custom cold air intake suspension by boge 87.5 tornado red cancer coupe "who doth givith his organs so that his brothers may live"

08-31-2005, 09:58 AM	#9
Sallad AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,798	You guys are idiots! (lol) (kidding) :P __________________ _____________ Dallas '86 4kq [Titan Red] (Sold) '86 4kq [Black w/Blue Pearl] (dead) '87 4ks 2.2L [Saphire Metallic] (dead) Kelowna, BC Canada

08-31-2005, 10:01 AM	#10
Sallad AudiWorld Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,798	UPDATE: Thanks everyone so far. Well I jacked it up and crawled underneath. I checked for voltage on the main wire (yellow) and I'm getting a full 12 volts. All the other wires "look" fine. A few strands are frayed on one of the smaller ones, but 85% intact. I felt the copper braid and it "feels" intact as well. I'll try to slip something small in there to see if it's broken. The only "clicking" sound I get is from under the dash. Sounds like a relay or something. Other than that, the starter is quiet when I try to crank it over. Worse come to worse, I make a trip to the junkyard. There are 3 4ks's there, so I'll just grab another starter. Thanks again everyone for your suggestions. __________________ _____________ Dallas '86 4kq [Titan Red] (Sold) '86 4kq [Black w/Blue Pearl] (dead) '87 4ks 2.2L [Saphire Metallic] (dead) Kelowna, BC Canada

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-31-2005, 10:01 AM
AudiWorld Audi R8 Paid Advertisement