Starter help please....

burrpenick · Post by **burrpenick** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:58 am

My 2003 AT base model had to have the CONTACTS replaced in the starter at 40k miles when I had NO START/ no click, no ANYTHING. ITs been fine for 5+ yrs but now at 140K its doing it again: no sound at all. I tapped the solenoid and it starts. Does this starter have a reputation for bad contacts? Should I replace the entire unit, or just the solenoid or the CONTACTS again? LAST BIG QUESTION: Do I remove the starter from the TOP SIDE of the car??????? (just open the hood) or from under the car?Thanks, George in NC for now

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 9:38 pm

I've never messed with the starter in mine, so I don't know if it's easier to access fromt he top or bottom.I'd say just get a whole new startersee http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=40209, be carreful to not smack the starter into the radiator

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:52 am

When in doubt Remove the starter, take it to advance auto and they will bench test it for free. Thats what I did. Easy to do. I removed the electric fan assembly to make some room. The starter is only held by 2 bolts & a harness, and will be free! Yes I removed it from up top. Good luck!

burrpenick · Post by **burrpenick** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:34 pm

Yes, I've decided to REPLACE the entire starter. The car has 140k miles now and even though I feel the CONTACTS are bad again (did them at 40k miles) n the starter, its got to have lots of wear on it now. It does work fine when it turns over, except for the last few days when it does NOTHING occasionally......until I tap on the side of the bendix and she has turned right over after that. George

burrpenick · Post by **burrpenick** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:49 am

I just fixed the starter on my 03 Base Vibe. I've posted details on another thread under PROBLEMS and Warranty Issues that should help the next person.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:01 pm

Quote, originally posted by burrpenick Â»Yes, I've decided to REPLACE the entire starter. The car has 140k miles now and even though I feel the CONTACTS are bad again (did them at 40k miles) n the starter, its got to have lots of wear on it now. It does work fine when it turns over, except for the last few days when it does NOTHING occasionally......until I tap on the side of the bendix and she has turned right over after that. GeorgeHow much does a new starter cost? Can you even get a "new" one - or are they all "rebuilt"? You might be better off fixing what you have.

TC07 · Post by **TC07** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:09 am

If it the 1 ZZ-FE engine remove the intake manifold and access should be rather easy. The starter is up front right under the intake manifold and (on my 04 matrix) looks to be an easy removal/install. Good Luck

cptnsolo77 · Post by **cptnsolo77** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:32 am

You shouldnt have to remove the intake manifold to remove the starter. I will admit ONE of the bolts can be rather tricky to get to and its difficult to see what you are doing. I beleive I used a extention to loosen it. I did remove the fan assembly to give me some more room. I also covered the radiator with some cardboard in case my wrench slipped off I wouldnt damage any of the fins or cut my knuckles....LOL.

burrpenick · Post by **burrpenick** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 11:41 am

see my post as mentioned in my answer above under starter replacement tips in the problems and warranty forum.....it contains the answers you are seeking. George

Starter help please....

Starter help please....

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STARTER issues re(burrpenick)

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