Question about starter and solenoid?

Question

I have been having trouble with my 97 Chevy Cavalier starting. It has been about two months since it started acting up. Basically on occasion the car wouldn't start. I took it to a mechanic and he charged me a ton and couldn't figure it out because it wouldn't act up, so he replaced the battery.

Anyway... I thought it was the neutral safety switch (or clutch sensor, since it is a five-speed) but now not sure... it is still acting up.

Symptom is getting worse, basically it won't start ... I walk home or fetch a ride and try it some hours later and it starts up.

Some people think it is the starter or starter solenoid. My main question is, if these are going bad do they act like this? Sometimes work and then sometimes don't? I always thought they were either good or just failed and that was pretty much it.

Next question is how hard is it to replace these? Any information would be great! Thanks.

Answer 1

what? 38 years experience, and you don't know that a 97 Cavalier is FWD?!? and then you say to replace the starter solenoid?!?

Anyhow, before you replace the starter or the starter solenoid (which is attached to the starter anyhow, and both are usually replaced as one unit) you might look at the ignition switch itself - I've seen more than one GM with start switch issues, several have been in the J-body cars (Cavalier, Sunfire)

Cold weather can mess with all sorts of things, and unfortunately, if the problem isn't happening at the time, there's not much the mechanic can do about it. I'd recommend getting a test light, if the issue happens when when you are with a friend, you can test the lead going to the starter solenoid - ask a local mechanic how you can test that, it's an extremely easy process, and I'm sure any would be more than happy to help you out in this situation.

Answer 2

Easy way to tell is to bypass the clutch neutral switch...just jumper the wires together and see if the problem goes away....if it does, replace the switch. Be careful not to start the car in gear or without the clutch in when doing this. Could also be a bad/misaligned ignition switch or the starter/solenoid going out...they can have intermittent problems before going totally bad. Check the battery cables also.

Answer 3

Engine & Mileage? FWD or RWD? Replace the Starter Solenoid! Have the Mechanic do a "Draw Test" on the Starter before you Condem it! Check the Condition of Battery Cables, Wires at Starter Solenoid & Alternator, Also Check All Ground Wires & Straps.

Answer 4

the alternator just keeps the battery charged. it has nothing to do with the starting. if your saying it turns over several times before starting then it could be a dirty fuel filter. it don,t sound like electrical like the starter or solenoid unless it just clicks several times before starting then it,s probably the solenoid not kicking the starter in.

Answer 5

Solenoid and starter windings can become tempurature sensitive. It may also be a loose cable or connection to the starter. Replacement isn't that bad if you have the tools and a safe way to lift the vehicle.
A $16 haynes or chiltons manual will make things much easier.

Answer 6

starter solenoid can develop a heat sensitive open, starter less so but can be intermittent. would replace both as GM usually mounts them together. U could try spraying them w/ water or packing in ice as a troubleshooting technique (yeah know it's a pain, but so is walking).

Answer 7

Broken key switch will do that. Not common but I have seen and fixed it. (sisters car)

Also if the bearings in the starter go bad it mis-aligns the windings /brushes and can act up. (happened to my truck I also fixed that).

Could also have gotten wet/ froze etc.

Obviously the mechanic you went to was inept or was a shyster.

Answer 8

Change the starter & solenoid, and get a good one.