Starter consistently fails to crank at all when engine is warm, works when cold. Just started having problem 2 days ago. Planning to change starter today -- is that probably the right thing to do? Is the temp-dependent nature of problem common, and does it give any helpful clues?

In the failed attempts, panel lights dim showing high current draw, but only a slight brief noise from starter, engine is not cranking at all.

'97 SL1

 

Sounds like a weak spring in the bendix on the starter to me. It engages the flywheel but won't spin it over. Disconnect the ground cable and check the connections on the starter for corrosion first, though. It might be that simple. How many miles are on the car?

 

About 180,000. But the starter may have been changed before, I can't remember, have records somewhere but can't locate right now.

 

I don't just throw parts at a problem. Test things.
When it does not start you need to apply 12 volts to the relay and see if it cranks. If it does the relay may be your problem. Do you have a meter?

 

Yes I do --

 

Start at the relay. The entire manual is here. Just click in the breadcrumbs.


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Home >> Saturn >> 1997 >> SL L4-1.9L SOHC VIN 8 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Starting and Charging >> Starting System >> Starter Relay >> Diagrams

Starter Relay: Diagrams

Starter Relay:

pro multis · About Operation CHARM

 

Thank you --

 

Well changing the starter has apparently fixed the problem; couldn't replicate it afterwards even when car was warmed up. The small 10 mm nut came off so easily I almost wonder if it was slightly loose but that wouldn't seem to mesh with the fact that I never (yet) had had any problems starting when the motor was cold. Anyway it is working now --

 

Another one back on the road