Starting problems???

[joshheat25]

Saturday I drove through some salt water so saturday night I washed my car down engine etc. well later saturday night I went to start my car and it just clicked no noise nothing. so I turned on my head lights etc have full battery. tried it again and clickkkkk.. tried again but held it and nothing is happening and then it started. well this morning I woke up and same thing except it took a long time like maybe 10 times of turning and holding with no noise or anything and it started. so I've been investigating all morning checking my starter etc. I don't know.. The connection at the battery is good. the connection at the starter looks good. so I just went out side and tried starting it again and held it for like 2-3 seconds then fired up. Immediatly turned it off then tried starting again, fired up I turned it off maybe 3 more times and it immediatly started back up. I don't know what the hell is wrong. No error codes nothin. Anyone have any ideas??

 

[DTNODYA]

Maybe something that got wet had to dry out? Will it start every time now? It sounds like something could be loose (wire) but if you checked them then thats strange. Maybe try resetting the ECU?? (won't hurt, don't know why it would help though)..

 

[joshheat25]

Yea so tonight I just went out and tried starting it. I held the key and it took like 4 seconds before it would start. I turn the key and it clicks then nothing..... 4 seconds later it starts right up. This is confusing. when it does start it fires right up so it makes me think there is nothing wrong with the starter???

 

[DTNODYA]

Re-check the power cable going to the starter. It might be loose and connecting every few tries. It could be sticking too I suppose but I'd check the + cable again.

 

[Tally_4.6]

Check the ground to the starter.

 

[joshheat25]

I went out this morning and it really isn't starting... so I had someone turn the key while I was under the car checking things out. and all I hear is a slight crackling noise coming from the starter. I then used a scredriver and connected the black (negative) to the small wire and it fired up.

 

[the98stang]

Just because your headlights come on does not mean you have full battery. I'm 99% sure your battery is dead. Take it to a parts store and them test it. If it's good, test the voltage of the battery when the car is on. If it's under 12v, your alternator is shot. Or you can have them test the alternator/starter as well.

edit: I just read the above post. I guess your ground wasn't connected well enough.

 

[joshheat25]

Well after 6 hours my problem is solved. The problem was the positive bolt on the inside of the solenoid... the bolt was erroded away from moisture getting in there, and I hear crackling from the current trying to gap across the erroded area. your asking how I found that out!!! after the side of the solenoid broke off when I was trying to tighten the bolt. so either someone over tightened the bolt from the factory or something hit the starter which I don't think is F'n possible. I had to go and buy a new starter because the solenoid is evidently very expensive?? I didn't get the 3rd bolt back in and I don't know how I got it out! but what a freakin Pain in the balls that bolt is! I would hate to be an auto mechanic full time and have to deal with crap like that. I had to pay 140 for a new starter all because of the little bolt.. I am just happy that I figured this crap out. thanx for everyones help