need help with an electrical gremlin, or gremlins

[walktheboard]

This is hard to make short, so this is pretty much for those that only REALLY want to help.

Maybe once a week or so, I'll have an issue with the car's ability to start without me having to push-start it. Symptoms are usually different. Most of the time the issue is that the car seems to not recognize that I'm even TRYING to start it, other than the warning lights on the dash getting slightly dimmer. The radio will stay on, starter won't click or make noise, etc. etc... Other times the issue will sound like a dead/dying battery.

My dad thinks it's the starter, he's so confident that he bought me a new starter and intake manifold gaskets(hear they'll be needed/wanted to make life easier when changing the starter).

The times when I try and start the car and the only action the car takes is the dash lights dimming, I've tried to bang on the starter. I've checked for battery drains and eliminated all(most?) possibilities of this being the issue.

This has been going on irregularly for the past... month and a half or 2 months I could say. The issue has occured less than 10 or 12 times in the last 1,000 miles probably.

anybody have any similar issues or any ideas?


UPDATE: as of 10/22/11 I have still not had these issues after replacing the starter motor.

[jlevie]

A problem with the primary power/ground connections, a bad starter, a dying alternator, or a bad battery are all possibilities at this point. I'd include the ignition switch in the list, but the lights dimming says that the starter is drawing current, meaning that the switch is working.

Clean all of the primary power and ground connections, including the ground strap from the egine to the body. Have the battery & alternator load tested and replace/repair as indicated. If the problem persists replace the starter.

PS: If the alternator bearings are good a weak or dead alternator can frequently be restored to operation by replacing the regulator & brush assembly.

[walktheboard]

I've replaced the battery and alternator within the past 5k miles, I'll check the grounds.
the engine/body ground you speak of, I'm assuming this is the one from the oil pan?

[jlevie]

I've replaced the battery and alternator within the past 5k miles, I'll check the grounds.
the engine/body ground you speak of, I'm assuming this is the one from the oil pan?

Although new, the alternator or the battery still could be bad. Have them tested.

Yes, the strap from the body to the pan on the left side is the engine ground.

[walktheboard]

had the "no noise" issue today, 11.89v from the battery. I'll get the car started tomorrow morning and see if I get the proper 14+V when running tomorrow.

[walktheboard]

slow start issue: checked the battery and it showed 11.8V while off, 12.35v while running.
replacing the starter motor tomorrow, will update if this issue goes away.