I have a 2001 Infiniti G20- I went to start yesterday and it would not start- all the dash lights worked and headlights were bright- it just did not turn over - their was no sound- a friend of mine said to try to tap on the alternator- i did and it started- i turned it off and would not start again- a tried it again and tapped the alternator and it started- Would it be my alternator that is bad or could it be something else???
2007-07-09 10:33:58 · 7 answers · asked by bobby 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The alternator rarely has anything to do with your starting system.
The alternator is only generating electricity when it's actually being spun by the engine.
It's more likely to be the starter motor itself. Tapping on the alternator probably somehow transmitted the vibrations to the starter motor.
2007-07-09 10:41:33 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Tap-Tap-
There could be a couple of issues that you need to address here. My guess is that it is a Starter Solenoid that is getting ready to completely fail.
But here are a few other things that you need to look at too.
How long has the current battery been in the car?
Most batteries should get swapped out about every three years. If this has never been bone since you have owned the car, it would be in your best interest to have the battery replaced.
Check all of the battey connections. If they look "fuzzy" then they could be corroded. In this case you are going to need to clean the corrosion off and use a Corrosion Inhibitor Spray on the battery contacts after you clean them.
Check your battery cables for any signs of breaks, shorts, burns, or other conditions that my indicate shorting. If these conditions exist, replace the cables.
Check your ground straps and cables. If there are any that are broken missing, shorted or damaged, replace them.
Check the connections at your alternator. Any loose connections, bad grounds, or disconnected wires, could cause this issue.
Check the cables going to your starter. If they are loose or show signs of damage, this could be your problem.
It could be a bad starter switch at the Dash Board, where you put your key in. There could be a bad ground or short.
But the tapping of the alternator, tells me that its more than likely a loose connection or a bad starter soledoid. I am more inclined to say a starter solenoid. The tapping is loosening up the solenoid just enough to function, but that tapping is not going to last for very long.
Also they don't just replace the solenoid any more either. You are going to be looking at a complete starter for your car if that is the issue.
Last I checked, prepare for a $150.00 starter and a healthy installation bill unless you want an opportunity to get greasy!
Good Luck!
2007-07-09 10:53:31 · answer #2 · answered by Teknoman Saber 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You say your headlights worked,
ok, so turn them on and try to start the car. If the dim alot or go out, you have a connection problem, most likely at the battery. Clean the connections and try again.
If the lights don't change, then you have connection problem perhaps at the alt or starter, but before you replace anything, clean & tighten connections.
Good Luck.
2007-07-09 11:13:11 · answer #3 · answered by ljoeguthrie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as your battery is up, then the alternator has nothing to do with it turning over, take a small mammer or something and hit the starter(but not too hard, or you will break it)and see if it starts, sounds like the starter is sticking, it could be the solenoid.
2007-07-09 12:36:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the starter. My mom had this same problem.
2007-07-09 10:42:06 · answer #5 · answered by Crazy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure all connections going to the alternator are tight.....
2007-07-09 10:38:13 · answer #6 · answered by MIGHTY MINNIE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It actually may be the starter.
2007-07-09 10:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋