Ok I'm assuming its my starter but i just want to make sure...

Just started happening: The starter motor barely has the juice to start the car. Its like the battery is really low.... but its reading 12.55V, and its like 3 months old.

Usually I've had the clicking problem when the starter contacts are fried.

Now I'm wondering... will replacing the contacts help, or do I need a new starter?

 

Try this trick.
When your starter just clicks grab a hammer and tap on it and try starting again, this is a good simple test. If starter responds and spins good I would go to your local parts store and get a reman starter.

 

Nonono, I'm saying that its NOT clicking, its just a very chugging starter.

 

Probably a bad connection (power or ground) between the battery and starter. 12.55 volts sounds a bit low on the battery, see what it reads under load (while the starter is running).

 

When the starter is running, it drops to about 7.5V.

So you're thinking a possible bad connection huh? Well I guess I'll double check.

12.55V on the battery is low too!? I thought that was pretty good.

Basically what happens is I turn the key, and the starter barely turns over (sounds like the engine is really hard to start), then once it goes over it runs perfect.

 

Battery voltage depends on charge and temperature:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automot...rminal_voltage

7.5 volts across the battery under load sounds low, might not be fully charged or may have a bad cell:
- http://www.engine-light-help.com/voltage-drop.html
- http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/...rting-any-help

Simple charging test would be to put a charger on the battery for a few hours and try starting. Could be you have a charging system issue.

To check the connections move one of the meter probes from the battery to various connection points in the circuit and check for voltage drops between the battery and that connection.

 

Interesting.

Just to throw it out there, but I had forgot to put the oil cap back on a few weeks ago, and oil slung around the engine bay. Oil definetly got on the alternator, as it sits right below. Not sure if that would actually cause problems or not. When idling, the battery reads 14.5V, which is normal...

I guess I'll try testing for a bad lead/ground and see if I can charge the battery somewhere.

Just seems to be that the starter itself is acting up, I could be wrong, as I usually am.

Thanks Roger for your help.

 

14.5 volts while running is a bit on the high side:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead%E2..._common_usages

Unless the battery is very dead and being charged at a high rate. Might be worth having the charging system and battery tested at a shop or parts store.

 

This sounds like a battery to me... Start the engine and check the voltage at the battery terminals, it should be over 14V. If it's ok, go to autozone or the like and get the battery tested, it may have a bad cell. A battery can read 12 volts but if it can't provide the amps then it won't start the car.

 

Ok I got smart about it...

I just hooked up my little jump starter battery pack, and the car started right up. Im assuming its a bad cell. I'm going to NAPA to see if they can test it for me, and probably get a new battery.

 

Hey baja, you are right. Its your starter. I had the same thing with my firts gen. Its funny because every time my drivers would go to move my truck for me they would say it wont start cause the battery is dead. Its the starter dragging. replace the starter and the problem will go away. just be careful with the oil presure line right next to the starter. it will dump oil everywhere

 

lol never mind.

 

Hahah OOTA.

No but just to report back! I had the battery tested, and it was bad! So they gave me a new one! Woohoo.

Thanks guys.

 

Way low. It should be over 10v. Over 11v if the battery is not old and oil is not very cold.