theinfamousbob said:One of our SUVs just died. It won't start. Battery is good; all of the console lights and headlights function, and the fuse box looks fine (nothing blown). When we go to start it, the engine area emits a loud click and a little bit of a hum afterwards. Am I right in assuming the starter cap has gone, so the starter won't turn over?
Thanks for the help...want to try to get a repair done before it's taken to the dealership...they tend to leave stuff undone. Last time they left the alternator unhooked. That was an interesting ride.
I agree with start tapping, 80% of the time it'll make em work. This usually happens when the solenoid gets old and the grease thickens up around it with dirt and age, you can take a bit of WD40 and squirt up inside of them and sometimes it loosens things up. Although with your symptom I would probably guess it would be a weak battery, if you don't have a enough juice all you're going to hear is a click and whine.Torben said:Try this, if you can find the starter motor. It should be right near the transmission. While watching it, have someone try to crank the engine. If the clicking is coming from the starter, then take a wrench or something and give the solenoid a tap. Sometimes they can get jammed or slightly misaligned (or even fetch up against their cotterpin) and all it takes is a bit of a whack to free it.
Also make sure to double-check the battery connections and ground connections. Check the starter solenoid's connections while you're there.
Might work, might not.Good luck!
Torben
[Edit: If it's a newer vehicle there's a good chance the solenoid is built right into the starter. Another possibility is corroded contact points within the starter assembly.
What make/model/year is it? You may be able to find a complete service manual for free online; I found one for my '96 Nissan truck just about three weeks ago.]
theinfamousbob said:Thanks for the help. I'll check the voltage tomorrow, but my dad's not going to let me touch it...he thinks the dealership can do a better job.
You forgot to mention the firstborn child...but I guess that'd be me.Torben said:Heh. Well, I hate to say it, but chances are pretty good that he's right. They will also charge an arm and a leg just to roll it into the shop. Getting anything serious done will set you back at least one major organ at a dealership.
Dunno if you've already checked this, but you can get the Haynes manual for Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport '91-'02s at the **broken link removed**. They're not as complete as the official service manuals, but the Haynes (or Chilton) books are certainly a lot easier to follow.
Torben
This might sound like a joke, but rjvh is absolutely right - a few good taps on the motor casing can be enough to temporarily unstick a starter in a pinch. I know that from experience with the Corolla, and there's no fear of damaging the casing at all as it's quite tough. It works!rjvh said:try to hit it with a hammer and it may work for a few time
HiTech said:Take an old screwdriver and short the starter solenoid/drive terminals to turn over the motor. Expect some sparks, but the trick works. This will eliminate any starter issues and lead you elswehere for troubleshooting.
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