How can u tell if i need a starter?

Question

I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix Supercharger

I bought a duralast battery from autozone 6 mo ago. A couple days ago we had a downpour of rain and i was in it. When I stopped to go into the store to get something and came back out the indicator led lights were bright red and it clicked when i tried to start it but didn’t turnover so automatically i thought the battery was dead.

Somebody jumped it for me and it was fine. The led lights were bright red it was running so i headed home because of the rain. After I got home I let it sit for 2 hours and then tried to start it again and the same thing happened. The indicator lights were on bright red but i just heard a click.and still did not turnover. I have charged the battery about 3 times this week and had it jumpstarted once.

Could it be the bushings, relay, connections, contactors. or the starter must have just worn out. I got the car dec. 05. Do you think i would need a whole new starter?

The service engine soon light does stays on.

When you go to turn it off sometimes the key gets stuck in the ignition and you have to wait for 2-5 minutes and then you can pull the key it right out. I tried to move the steering wheel back and forth to so i dont know why it’s getting stuck sometimes. Could it be the ignition lock cylinder?

Would i need a new one?

Answer 1

The check engine light staying on is definitely a problem although it may not be serious.Get it checked by Auto Zone for free.Have your battery tested while you are there also.It could be that your battery may not be holding enough charge.If the starter is turning the engine over normally with a jump,it would seem that the starter is in good shape.Yet it too should be pulled and checked out also at Auto Zone for free.After all, the vehicle has got some age on it.Some starters after a while develop what is called 'a dead spot' where it acts as if the starter is bad.Not enough space here to describe why it happens.

Answer 2

if it started up with a jump the problem is not the starter. you may just need to tighten the belt of the alternator. not too tight though, that can wreck the bearings of the alternator. you are using up the charge in that new battery every time you start the car, and the alternator isnt filling it back up. If a tighter belt doesn't help, you may need an alternator. places like autozone should be able to check your charging system for you. Sears Auto used to do it for free, i don't know if they still do. By the way, failing starters get VERY hot. If you still suspect the starter is the problem after checking the alternator, be careful not to burn yourself!
Hope this helps!
Lulu

Answer 3

If you can jump start the car, and your battery needs to be charged, the starter isn't the problem, the charging system is. If the "batt" or "charge" or "alt" light stays on, this is an indication that the car doesn't see a charge rate great enough to charge the battery and run the car's accessories.
Check the voltage at the battery with the engine running. With a DIGITAL volt meter, the charge rate should be at least 14 volts, and that is on the low end of acceptable.

Answer 4

i own a shop and it probably does need a starter if it start good with a jump all this is doing id giving it a few more amps then it should have and this is a good indication it may need a whole new starter,good luck with it.,ps have the battery checked just to be sure its still good battery's do go bad even when there new.

Answer 5

Check your altinator and battery terminals, they may just need cleaning. Our Wal-mart store has a machine that will check about any part of your motor at very little cost and will tell you on a read-out exactly what is wrong.

Answer 6

If it jump starts, then the starter is fine.
Alternator, or battery connections need tending to.

Answer 7

if it clicks then your not getting enuff power to turn the starter over it sounds like to me. if you have to keep jump starting it you might want to have your alt looked at