Bad Starter? Solenoid?

[Zenobian_84]

Been having an intermittent problem for the last two months. 

 

Truck's been running fine for a while now, with no noticeable problems (aside from the small oil leak at the timing chain cover). Around two months ago, I went to start the truck; usually cranks up after about 2-3 seconds. The problem was that it seemed to have a sluggish start, IE: the starter was cranking over very slowly.

 

Problem went away after a while, and so I chalked it up to being an old engine, etc etc.

 

Now for the last month, I've been having an increase in said problems. It always ends up with the truck sounding like the engine just doesn't want to turn over, until finally, I turn the key to the ON position and nothing happens. I can shimmy underneath the truck, and clean the connections off (on the starter), and voila, the truck will magically start once more; albeit, at the same slow speed.

 

I'm fairly certain that it could be the solenoid giving out, or the starter itself giving up. Am I correct in thinking so? Anyone have any suggestions? Before I go through the hassle of taking the starter out and getting it checked out, is there something else I'm overlooking here? Also worth noting the starter is about a year old or so.

 

[Eagle]

The solenoid is just a relay -- an on/off switch. It can't cause the starter to spin slowly.

 

I suggest taking the starter to one of the parts houses and having it bench tested. Sounds to me like it's getting ready to die.

[Guest]

The solenoid is just a relay -- an on/off switch. It can't cause the starter to spin slowly.

 

I suggest taking the starter to one of the parts houses and having it bench tested. Sounds to me like it's getting ready to die.

:fs2: Gah, that's what I was afraid of. Least I have something to do for the next few days.

[zackcj7]

 Make sure you check your battery cables and check to make sure you're getting voltage to the solenoid when the key is in start.

 

 My TJ is doing the same thing. It's been turning over slow when warm. But can sit all week in the garage and start up fine. I went to pick up my daugher from school today and got a single click when I tried to start it. Luckily I was parked on a slight hill so I was able to roll start it. Battery is good and I just checked and cleaned all the battery connections last weekend. Looks like i'll have to pull the starter this weekend.

[Eagle]

Slow turning over when hot is a sign of an imminent failure. Hot wires have more resistance than cold wires. The inside of a starter has a LOT of wires on the rotating core.

[Blue XJ]

Slow turning over when hot is a sign of an imminent failure. Hot wires have more resistance than cold wires. The inside of a starter has a LOT of wires on the rotating core.

 

Good to know, mines been having hot start issues for quite some time.  I just picked up a new one from Rock Auto to hopefully fix the problem, but I haven't installed it yet.

[MancheKid86]

your starters done,

your comuatator`s widings have either come undone or your brushes inside the starter are finished (past wear points)

leaning towards the brushes,

 

a failing solenoid (electromagnet) on the starter would cause an on/off no crank

 

take out your starter, bring it to a local shop and get them to check it out,

they can put the armature/comutator in a lathe and mill it down, as well as cut the mica that seperates the windings on the comutator to the specified level,

as well as put new brushes in,

 

after you should have a good as new starter,

if not they found shorts to ground and need to replace the whole assembly

[Roadking99]

Have the auto parts store check your starter and battery. If they're good, probably one of your battery cables.

[Guest]

Turns out it was the starter. A few hours of work + a new starter, and the truck lives once more.   . :MJ 1: .