hello forum, starter problems 1999
 

It all started a while back. For some unknown reason the alarm went off, it took a while to get it to shut off, the key fob didn't turn it off. I finally had to use the key in the ignition to turn that darn thing off.... cut to a few days later.

Car starts fine in the morning, drive it for 45mins, shut it off (I no longer trust the alarm system and don't us it) 15 mins later I get in, turn the key, all the lights come on but, when I turn the key to start.... NOTHING, no sound, lights don't dim... try again, same, doesn't start. 30 mins later try it again.... it starts up.... hmmmm

This has now become a daily issue, starts up fine when it's cold, run it for 30 mins and try to re-start... lights come on, but doesn't turn over... wait approx 1 hr... try again and it starts.

Seems like it does this when it's completely warmed up, if it's only been running a few minutes... it starts up.

I check battery voltage 12.7 standing, 14.6-15 with engine idling.

Pulled all of the fuses, seems ok, Checked with a volt/ohm meter

What do I check next? Safety relay?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

ps... it there a way to take the alarm system completely out of the equation?

Thanx Steve

Cut to your post.

Might be a good idea to add what year make and model car your talking about.

Next, are you talking about an aftermarket alarm or should we just guess?

Just a note, I moved this post into the correct area. You get one free move any others posted where they do not belong get deleted.

starter problems, alarm system removal
 

Thanx for the help with the posting information.

1999 Saturn SL, Auto, Standard OEM alarm system activated via key fob.

We don't use this, how do I get it out of the system?

Thanx Steve

You don't lock your doors?

Generally just use the key or door lock switch on the door, Quit using the key fob when it went crazy.

But the main issue is the starter problem. (see above)

First thing I'd do is check the battery cables. Just does not sound like a starter problem. Why, well a starter will not set off the alarm.


Check battery cables for tightness and corrosion.
Corrosion can also be inside the positive cable most times at the battery end.
Pull the battery have it CHARGED and LOAD tested.

You can't just pull the alarm out, it's built into the cars system, and I doubt you have an "alarm" problem.

+ 1 cables then battery

When you check the cables.... Don't forget to check BOTH end of the cable !

It was the starter
 

I warmed the engine up completely, temp gauge past 1/2 way mark. Then I shut the car off. When I tried to start it.... nothing... again dash lights all on, voltage at baterry was 12.7 standing, and when the key was in start position it would drop to 11.4. Then I had someone else turn the key, with the hood open and being in a positioned where I could hear, I heard the solenoid "clack", I couldn't hear it from inside the car, but it was definitely the solenoid. But not to be stoopid, I connected a remote switch to the starter and tried it, by-passing any of the other electrical consideration. Sure enough, same results. Solenoid "clack", but the starter didn't turn.Replaced the starter and now it all seems good.

Thanx for all the input.