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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: mk2vr6 on January 05, 2007, 08:43:19 pm

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: mk2vr6 on January 05, 2007, 08:43:19 pm

My car decided to not start this morning and I have to go back to school on Monday so I want to make triple sure that my starter is pooched before I buy a new one.

When I turn the key, all I get is a loud click and then nothing.  The battery is charged.  The solenoid has power and is grounded properly.  But, when I try to jump the solenoid using a jumper wire and the starter wire i get no spark and no clicking.  

Is the starter/solenoid pooched for sure?

Thanks.

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: 745 turbogreasel on January 05, 2007, 09:36:26 pm

remove it and run it on jumper cables.  it should spin vigorously.

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: jtanguay on January 06, 2007, 04:56:02 am

i had the same problem but my battery was low... maybe you should clean the connections, and maybe even solder the positive right to the starter??? i did it and never had issues since!   also do the ground strap modification burn your money talked about.

i've always heard some weird noises come from my diesel starters but never had one 'die' on me.  did have the positive wire corrode right off though lol that was a fun one trying to diagnose...

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: Black Smokin' Diesel on January 06, 2007, 03:57:57 pm

Do like jtanguay said. Clean all your connections and battery terminals. You can even replace the wiring if you wish.

Your solenoid is clicking so it's working. The motor isn't being powered so it's either bad wiring or something's wrong internally with the starter motor.

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: Op-Ivy on January 06, 2007, 10:54:23 pm

Mine was doing the same thing a while ago. Cleaned all the connections and it works like a charm now :)

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: 745 turbogreasel on January 06, 2007, 11:11:53 pm

Mine stopped cranking the car, but worked like new after I dissasemblec and cleaned it!
I was realy surprised.

Title: How to check for sure if my starter is gone...
Post by: Jetta Fan on January 08, 2007, 08:29:15 am

If you're getting a click, it's likely the brushes or the windings inside the starter. I'd double check the connections etc like was mentioned above, but it might be time for a rebuild.