I have a Chevy blazer with about 195,000 miles on it. I drive it about once or twice a week, and then back home from college (couple hundred miles round trip) every few weeks. About a month ago I had trouble starting it. I turned the key, seemed to have full battery as the starter motor kept going, but the motor never caught and turned over. I tried again and it worked fine.
Today I tried starting it up again and had no luck. Like the last time it seems like the battery is fine. The starter just keeps chuggin away but doesn't make the engine turn over. My question is, would this be my starter going bad or would it be my alternator going bad?
I don't think I've replaced the starter or alternator since I've had it (since about 150,000 miles). And both times the weather beens farely cold.
2007-10-26 11:17:48 · 11 answers · asked by Scott 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
From the symptom you described I would say it is neither the starter or alternator. The alternator does not play a role in getting the vehicle started, it does however keep the battery charged and provide the power the vehicle needs to power the accessories (A/C, power windows, stereo, etc.). If the car is cranking (turning over but not starting and running) but not starting, then you have more than likely have a fuel delivery problem. With as much driving as you do and as many miles are on the car this is very likely. Have you ever changed the fuel pump? Fuel filter? To check to see if it is a fuel problem, remove your air filter and housing, and spray a small amount of carb cleaner or starter fluid into the housing and try to start the truck. If it fires up then you know thats the problem. Change the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel pump relay (standard to change all three at the same time). If it does not, then you have another problem. If this is the case, then you may be looking at an ignition coil, distributor rotor or pickup. An engine needs 3 things to start: Fuel, Spark and Compression. If any ONE of those THREE things are missing, then the engine will not run or start. Hope I could be of some help!
2007-10-26 11:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by Josh 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"The starter just keeps chuggin away but doesn't make the engine turn over"
What exactly is happening here? Turning over means just that, the engine is turning. What it sounds like you're describing is the engine is turning over but not starting.
If the alternator were bad, the battery would be dead, so it's not the alternator. If the starter were bad, the engine would not "chug away" (turn over), so it's not that either. Have you replaced the battery itself? A 12V car battery has six cells in it, if one were bad it would only put out about 10 volts, which might be enough to run the starter, but not enough for a good spark. Check the battery with a voltmeter, it should be around 13 volts when not doing anything, if it's less than 12V it's probably bad.
I'd start there!
2007-10-26 11:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by PMack 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If the truck cranks over (starter turning over motor) good but takes long cranking times to start especially if the problem is not predictable such as yours, you might look into a fuel pump relay. The engine must crank over long enough for the computer to see atleast 4 psi of oil pressure and continue running the fuel pump. The relay is what pressurizes the fuel system before you crank the engine. These tend to malfunction at no predictable intervals. This is GM's way of protecting you from fuel spraying all over an accident scene if your involved in a crash. Hope this helps.
2016-04-10 08:17:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
look the alternators job is put put a charge back to the battery, you say the battery seems fine. next time try this ( not a joke)
one way to check the starter is to hit it with a hammer while someone tries to start it. if the starter kicks in and the car starts REPLACE the starter., not the alternator. starters also have a solenoid that kicks the starter in to meet the flywheel.
that's also a possibility.
good luck to you.
2007-10-26 11:44:14 · answer #4 · answered by adam/penny 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Replace the starter. That sounds like the problem. The starter gear is not engaging the flywheel. Replace it soon or it will damage the flywheel and it will need replacing too, which is a big job, especially on a 4x4>
2007-10-26 13:41:15 · answer #5 · answered by Ron B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would have to be the starter.If the battery is charged eacxh time it gives you trouble then the alternator is good.
Sounds like the brushes have worn out in the starter.
2007-10-26 11:38:49 · answer #6 · answered by Joe F 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Josh sounds like he knows what he's talking about.
It needs those 3 main components. Spark, compression, fuel.
If its sounds funny when you crank it (like a screech) then compression is your problem. spray carburetor cleaner into the intake, then crank it if it starts then its somewhere in the fuel system. For spark, to see if you get any, put a screwdriver into the spark plug wires and ground it somewhere, BE CAREFUL NOT TO ELECTROCUTE YOURSELF!!! also make sure there is no flammable fumes anywhere to get it ignited. if no spark then its somewhere in your electrical.
2007-10-26 12:58:17 · answer #7 · answered by tomanahawk 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have the time I would take it off and take them to a local auto parts store most of them ( I know o'realiys and autozone) will check to see if they are bad.
TIM
2007-10-26 11:32:44 · answer #8 · answered by timelcowboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
starter gear is not kicking out and engaging the flywheel replace it
2007-10-26 11:30:32 · answer #9 · answered by hermitofnorthdome 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
buy a 2007
2007-10-26 11:48:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋