Ive been having a problem off and on for the past month where my car wont start,and in the last week it has gotten to be more frequent . it wont crank or any thing, I turn the key and get nothing. the first time it happened I wiggled the thick uninsulated wire that goes between the starter and the solenoid and got it to start.
the next time it happened that didnt work, but I have found some thing that does. if I connect a wire to the big uninsulated wire and connect the other end to the battery for a few seconds I can hear what sounds like a small electric motor, then when I turn the key the car will start right up.
Im guessing its the solenoid going bad, but am not sure. what do you all think?

 

My guess is you either are losing your solenoid or you have some loose wires that is causing a drain. Make sure all your wires are getting a good connection...You might try taking a few apart and cleaning the connectors. Otherwise I would say go ahead and invest in another starter. That way your not out on a date or late for work when yours decides to give up the ghost.....

 

On the occassions when it doesn't start....do you hear a "click" when you turn the key? If not, your solenoid is sticking and you just need to replace it. If it clicks and doesn't turn (which I doubt since it turns fine when you put power to the uninsulated jumper) then you need to replace the whole starter.

Chevy starters usually last a lot longer than the solenoids...but it may be hard to find somewhere that will sell the solenoid seperately. Generally they make you buy a whole starter and turn in yours as a core, then the reman company just replaces the solenoid coil, cleans it up, and sends it right back out.

 

I cant remember hearing a click the other day when my wife tryed to start it wile I was under the hood, so it sounds like it may jusy be the solenoid.

Sadly it Looks like Im better off just getting a remaned starter w/solenoid. I can get one from O'reilly with life time warranty for $49.99
a solenoid alone is over $50

 

AutoZone can test your starter. If it fails, u can buy a new one, they dont cost that much.