Symptoms:
Starter does not crank over at normal speed. There is usually no other abnormal noises other
than the slow turning starter.
Possible fixes:
Bad / dying battery: A bad battery is usually the primary culprit
in a slow cranking starter. Measure the voltage at the battery *posts* (not
the terminals): it should show around 12.0VDC and not drop under 9.0VDC
under cranking. If voltage is lower than those numbers, replace the battery.
Replace battery
Bad / corroded battery terminals:
Bad connection at battery terminals can prevent full power / current to starter.
If you have the original battery terminals (crimped lead), the wire can corrode internally
out of sight. The huge current draw from cranking the starter will stress any marginal
electrical connections.
Clean or replace battery terminals
Bad / corroded power connections:
As stated above, the huge current draw from the starter will stress any marginal electrical
connection. The power circuit runs from the (+) positive battery terminal straight
to the starter. A high current solenoid, mounted on the starter, switches this circuit
on when the ignition key turns onto the START position. Ensure the large diameter wire
snaking from the battery to be absolutely secure to the starter post terminal.
Clean power connections; tighten all power terminal connections; replace connectors if necessary
Bad / loose main engine ground:
Again, since this is a DC circuit, the ground connection is just as important as the power
connections. The starter grounds through it's own metal body, so ensure the starter is
securely tightened against the transmission bell housing. If the starter is excessively
dirty, clean off as much of the dirt and grime as much as possible. The main engine ground
runs from a larger connector secured right above the starter through a large diameter wire
to the base of the driver's side strut tower then to the (-) negative battery terminal.
Clean starter; tighten all ground terminal connections; replace connectors if necessary
Questions? Comments? Send mail to:
reted@fc3spro.com
08/24/2004
