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Dead starter, I think

Discussion in '308/328' started by Bloated Monkey, Dec 7, 2013.

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  1. Bloated Monkey

    Bloated Monkey Rookie

    Jan 3, 2009
    11
    Houston, TX
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #1 Bloated Monkey, Dec 7, 2013
    I have an '81 308gtsi in Texas. About 3 months ago, I moved to Russia for a multiyear assignment. I thought about selling the car, but I like it too much, so I put it in storage. A good friend was to visit it every few weeks to start it up and maybe drive it around the block. But he could never get it started. I'm back to visit this week and tried it myself.

    I can hear the selenoid click, but that's about it. The battery is new, so I figure the starter's dead. But I also noticed that I can't roll up the windows and the turn signals and wipers won't go on (and they used to). So I'm wondering if it's possible something else is going on, or is it just coincidence. Most everything else electronic is working. Headlights are bright, etc.

    I don't do much work on my car other than changing fluids and simple fixes, and I don't have much time in town to monkey with it. I'm just hoping I don't have to send it to the shop while I'm out of country. But I'm guessing that would be cheaper than letting it sit for 3 years without starting.... Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks.
     
  2. MNExotics

    MNExotics F1 Rookie
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    Dec 13, 2010
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    Good Thunder
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    Ben Gruenzner
    #2 MNExotics, Dec 7, 2013
    I would have the battery tested just because it is cheap and easy to do and I have seen them fail being releatively new. Then I would remove the starter and take it to a part shop that has an RET like autozone. If that does not cure it get the DVOM out and start chasing grounds
     
  3. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
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    Tim Keseluk
    #3 2NA, Dec 7, 2013
    Sounds like a battery connection or ground problem.
     
  4. Crowndog

    Crowndog F1 Veteran

    Jul 16, 2011
    7,042
    Fairfield,Pa
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    Robert
    #4 Crowndog, Dec 8, 2013
    +1. Same issue, everything sort of worked but just a click when turning the key. Tightened terminal clamps at the battery and SMILE.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  5. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,872
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    Mike 996
    #5 mike996, Dec 8, 2013
    "Sounds like a battery connection or ground problem."

    Exactly! Check the ground connections/cables for corrosion they are first in the list of "usual suspects" for the symptoms you describe.
     
  6. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 11, 2001
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    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
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    Steve Magnusson
    #6 Steve Magnusson, Dec 8, 2013
    Can we assume that you mean these don't work when the key is "on"? How about the gauges needles in the dash and the alt warning light? Do these move/come "on" when the key is turned "on", or not?

    The headlamps working well gives some blessing to the upstream-most primary battery connections, but there are some fairly large, intermediate positive side connections in your model's wiring architecture that could take out groups of items at the same time.
     
  7. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Feb 24, 2006
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    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    #7 miketuason, Dec 8, 2013
    Clean and tight us the key for all electrical connection.
    Try jump starting it and see if the starter turns over.
     
  8. pgarossino

    pgarossino Formula Junior

    Nov 19, 2009
    307
    Houston Tx
    Full Name:
    Paul G.A. Garossino
    #8 pgarossino, Dec 8, 2013
    Hey, where is the car in Houston? If in Houston I could bring over a toolkit full of diagnostic stuff and take a look with you.

    Paul
     

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