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I have a 2001 Cherolet Venture. Sometimes it will start, ...

Sent to Car Experts June 06, 2006 5:21 p.m.

I have a 2001 Cherolet Venture. Sometimes it will start, but it's a crap shoot. When it does start, it sounds like the starter is having a hard time engaging. I replaced the starter and the battery... no change. What else affects the starting system?

Optional Information:
2001 Chevrolet Venture 3.4L

Already Tried:
Replaced starter. Replaced Battery.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
June 06, 2006 6:50 p.m. (1 hour and 28 minutes later)

REPLIED

The battery cables can cause starting problems. It doesn't sound like it is the cables this time. Check the teeth on the flywheel. Make sure there all right all the way around. Does it have any shims between the starter and the engine block. The shims are used to move the starter teeth closer or further out from the flywheel teeth. When you replaced the starter did it have a solinoid on it? This is what kicks the gear out.

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent June 06, 2006 9:24 p.m. (2 hours and 34 minutes later)

There were no shims between the starter and the block. The flywheel teeth are fine. But the problem is that the starter does not even start. It's like it doesn't even get power. Every once in a while, it will engage. When the starter gets power, it starts up just fine... no noises or anything. Is there a component between the starter and the battery that might cause this?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
June 07, 2006 12:59 a.m. (3 hours and 34 minutes later)

REPLIED

Okay that helps me out better. Check the battery cables A bad cable won't pass enough amps. to turn the starter. A voltage drop test will check the cables. Put the red lead to the positive battery terminal and the black lead where the posative cable attachs to the starter. Disable the ignition by removing the power wire to the ignition coil module pack or use a remote starter switch with key off. Try to start watch meter if it reads more than .5 volts the cable is bad. Repeat this with the negative cable.

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent June 08, 2006 9:21 a.m. (1 day and 8 hours later)

OK... this is weird. Now, it is starting just fine. It is obviously a malfunction in getting power to the starter consistently. When the starter gets power, it cranks smoothly and starts fine. But there is something wrong somwhere. Where does the starter get its power from? Is there another component that might be bad?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
June 08, 2006 9:25 p.m. (12 hours and 3 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

Yes When it doesn't start check to see if you have 12v on the small wire going to the starter. This comes from the ignition switch and signals the starter to come on. If you don't you might have a bad switch or linkage going to the switch. The neutral safty switch can also be at fault.

32dmadden -- Auto Repair Shop Owner -- 97% Positive Feedback on 410 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Certified Master Technician 32 yrs. Auto Repair Experience

Reply to 32dmadden
Sent June 08, 2006 11:38 p.m. (2 hours and 13 minutes later)

Get this... corrosion on the bottom end of the battery cable. Cleaned it up, and it starts smooth every time. I should have checked that 1st!! Thanks for all the help.

Charlie

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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