Hi Guys

I'm having an issue starting my vehicle up 1/2 of the time.

When I do have an issue starting this is what happens. When I turn the ignition the lights will come up on the dash but you can only hear the solenoid click once every 3 seconds and eventually after the 3rd click it will start.

To get the car started sometimes it takes up to 10 seconds. It's been progressively getting worse since the problem first arose a month ago.

Am I looking at an alternator, battery or starter problem? I've taken the battery out and had it tested at canadian tire in which they tested the CCA and said it was within operating parameters.

Any ideas?

 

You can check your alternator output once your car has started to make sure that the alternator is charging the battery.

You will need a voltmeter to perform this.

All you need to do is get the engine running and put positive and negative leads on the battery and read the voltage. With no lights and accessories on your reading on the battery (on average) should be arount 13.5-15 volts. If you are lower then this your charging system might not be up to par, and the charging systems output is not charging that battery enough to sustain the cars electrical needs.


In addition check all electrical connections on the battery, starter, and alternator. Make sure they are all tight and secure, a loose connection can make it look like the charging system is not working properly when really it is just a loose connection.


Let me know what your readings are if/when you get around to it and we can continue to troubleshoot the problem if your readings are normal.

 

Stangely my car has started to do this too. I would stick the key in it push the clutch down and try to start it but nothing. It was as almost as if something were interfering with the starter signal. I cleaned the terminals of the battery and the battery posts. It does it periodically. I'm starting to wonder if I should just replace my starter.