1996 Grand Voyager Intermittent Start issue

MarkBall · #1 11-06-2009, 03:41 PM

I have a 1996 Grand Voyager with an intermittent "no start, just click" issue. My battery gave up the ghost about 2 months ago, replaced the battery (wouldn't hold a charge) & everything was fine after it clicked twice before starting.

When it does crank, it spins the motor over a lot quicker than when I had the other battery in it, which is telling me the battery isn't the problem. The problem seems to be when cold starting the van, but usually cranks immediately after fully warmed up. All cables are clean & tight. First thing in the morning or after I've driven to work & let it sit a while, it tends to just "click" several times, then it will crank & start. No codes on the computer that I can find.

About a year ago, I had the clock spring replaced as the left turn signals wouldn't work any longer. Now if the van gets cold (below 40*) the left turn signal won't work again, but does work when it warms back up.

I'm wondering if the two problems are related or I just need to change the starter, due to a worn out solenoid. The van has 160K on it and otherwise is a good vehicle. I can remove the starter & test it, but am looking for more information before I go that route.

Thanks

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circumventor · #2 11-06-2009, 05:39 PM

hey all this is a really easy fix. yall need new contacts in the starter. they are eazy to do if you got a 15mm wrecnh a 13mm socket and 9/32 socet. pull off the sol cover, pull out plunger, and yall wil see the contact is shot so now finding them contacts aint easy. i haven't found them yet at no parts stores but my local hardware basic auto store has a kit for $10 to fix. or go to a toyota dealer, they have the contacts in stock for like $10

MarkBall · #3 11-06-2009, 07:35 PM

That's my thought too, a bad solenoid. But I can't find one anywhere & even the dealership wants to replace the whole starter.

I'll check the Toyota parts but need a bit more info on the contacts, like what do they work on/what are they associated with?

92dak5.24x4 · #4 11-06-2009, 08:38 PM

I've done this repair numerous times. Remove the starter as stated and the contacts, take them with you to where ever you go to find parts. I buy them in bulk from National Automotive in Shelbyville, IN. My cost is less than $3 for the pair. Some people insist you have to replace the plunger too but I never do and have(unless they are really bad) never had a problem.

MarkBall · #5 11-06-2009, 09:13 PM

Had another puzzling thing happen today.

Had to drive about 15 miles to get some business done. I shut off the van, used the power door locks to lock the van & went to do my business. Returned & stuck the key in the drivers door, unlocked the door & the wipers wiped the windshield. Once.

I don't ever remember this happening before & for the life of me have no understanding on how it would happen. I live in AZ, the last time I used wipers to clean the windshield was probably June after a short shower going to work.

Any other ideas? Or is this just something to fake me out thinking there are other issues with the van? Not really a problem, just puzzling.

92dak5.24x4 · #6 11-06-2009, 10:59 PM

These vans have all kinds of weird electrical gremlins related to the body computer. I've had anomolies where the wipers would randomly come on while driving, the intermitant wipers would randomly quit working, unlocking the door with the key required several turns because as soon as I turned the key back to the center postion, the locks would relock, But it would only happen on the driver side. I can name off a lot more issues I've encountered similar to yours

MarkBall · #7 11-06-2009, 11:23 PM

I've been reading about some of the things like this. I've had the random wipes of the windshield wiper going down the road. Now it's the left turn signal doesn't always work, but does after I "flash" the highbeams. Not the switch to high beam, just the flash the high beam. Then it starts working again. Sometimes.

I'm going to pull the starter in a few days. I just had a tooth pulled & got to let it calm down (quit spittin blood) before I continue. If I cannot find the parts, I'll see if I can make what needs fixed. I have a friend with a lathe.

MarkBall · #8 11-06-2009, 11:25 PM

Just remembered.

Son has a 2003 Dakota. His was doing the same thing - intermittent start clicking. Replaced the battery & it still did it. Changed the starter & fixed the problem. I had forgotten about this until just now.

92dak5.24x4 · #9 11-07-2009, 08:03 AM

So sorry to hear about your tooth ache, but I don't see the relevance to solving your problem. I, personally, hate excuses, probably because I get an abundance of them everyday. If you can't find the parts, there's something wrong. I did a quick search for you related to Denso repair parts. Came up with a site http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/densoparts.htmlTheir prices are higher than I pay but there is some quality pictures of how to do this simple job. With their picture instructions, I'll bet my 10yr old could do this repair

MarkBall · #10 11-07-2009, 11:49 AM

Not a problem, I do understand what your saying about the excuses. As a nurse manager, I hear it all the time too. The van still starts, just have to play with the key when cold. I'm going to order the parts & fix it after seeing the pictures on the link you posted. For now, I'll live with the intermittent starting (I have the Dodge Ram I can drive) for now.

Thanks for the link, I appreciate that.