My daughter's 99 V6 began having some intermittent starting problems roughly 3 months ago. The problem usually occurs after driving for a short distance before turning the car off and then trying to start it again, even if the car has only been off for a few minutes.
When we try to start it in this condition it goes like this:
1) Headlights, interior lights, door chimes, etc. work normally (headlights bright) until the key is turned to the start position.
2) When the key is turned to start there's a click or two from the solenoid and then all power goes out. It may come back within a few seconds or remain out indefinitely.
3) If I remove the negative battery cable or starter relay the power comes back (after reconnect of course) and it's back to step 1.
4) Once we resort to jump starting it always starts back up.
Things I've tried:
1) Cleaned up/tightened the battery cables at the terminals.
2) Had the alternator and battery tested at OReilly's. Both tested OK.
3) Replaced the battery anyway as it was getting old.
4) Replaced the starter relay as it was cheap.
I'm confused as to where to go from here. I've been told it may be the starter/solenoid or a short somewhere but if that's the case, why does a jump start work every time? I'd rather not remove the starter if i don't have to as I hear it's a major pain to get to the upper bolt. I've also thought about a power drain somewhere but the problem has yet to occur from just letting the car sit for a long time so this seems unlikely to me.
Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have!
When we try to start it in this condition it goes like this:
1) Headlights, interior lights, door chimes, etc. work normally (headlights bright) until the key is turned to the start position.
2) When the key is turned to start there's a click or two from the solenoid and then all power goes out. It may come back within a few seconds or remain out indefinitely.
3) If I remove the negative battery cable or starter relay the power comes back (after reconnect of course) and it's back to step 1.
4) Once we resort to jump starting it always starts back up.
Things I've tried:
1) Cleaned up/tightened the battery cables at the terminals.
2) Had the alternator and battery tested at OReilly's. Both tested OK.
3) Replaced the battery anyway as it was getting old.
4) Replaced the starter relay as it was cheap.
I'm confused as to where to go from here. I've been told it may be the starter/solenoid or a short somewhere but if that's the case, why does a jump start work every time? I'd rather not remove the starter if i don't have to as I hear it's a major pain to get to the upper bolt. I've also thought about a power drain somewhere but the problem has yet to occur from just letting the car sit for a long time so this seems unlikely to me.
Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have!