My starter only works intermittently. Sometimes when I turn the key the solenoid will click but the starter will not crank. Usually I just try it a few more times and it will eventually crank and start.

I am pretty sure it is a problem with the solenoid, because if I measure the voltage across the starter itself I get 0.3 volts with the solenoid engaged and the starter is NOT cranking, and 10-11V when the starter IS cranking.
If there was an open in the starter I would see ~12V across the starter.
If there was a short somewhere, I would see the battery voltage drop significantly. (Which didn’t happen)

Thus I must conclude that there was an open in or before the solenoid.

I took the starter out and cleaned the contacts last weekend. It worked for a day but then started giving me problems again.

Anyone have any other ideas?
I would hate to have to replace the entire unit just for a bad solenoid. (I can’t find anybody that sells just the solenoid)

Does anyone have a bad starter with a good solenoid?

Thanks,
Jason

 

Have you checked your battery terminals? Tighten everything down.

 

Hmm sounds like you figured out the problem, I had to replace mine, which I got at NAPA auto. Not sure if you've got it in your state, but maybe they can order you one and send it to you, or maybe you can get one online. I believe mine was 10 or 15 bucks, I can't rember exactly, but it was not more than 15, It even has a lifetime warranty.

 

I called NAPA, Autozone, and Advance Autoparts, and no one sells just the solenoid

I can't even buy one from a GM dealer "GM dosn't do that anymore"

They want me to pay 150-$200 for a whole new starter... No way.

How long ago did you buy your solenoid? If you know where I can get one, it will be much appreciated!

Thanks,
-Jason

 

If you are still wondering why you can't get parts for that starter, I found out why today. In 94, the starters had solenoids \that kind of crimped into the starter, so if you need a new one, you have to find one that fits and drill out the crimps or something. I also have a 95 starter, which they can get the soenoid for, and the guy told me those were much better than the 94's.

 

The solenoid on my starter did not crimp on it was held in by three square head screws. I had the solenoid out and was taking it around to parts stores to see if they had anything close. It is definitely a replaceable item. GM just decided not to let people replace them.

I almost bought a 93 starter so I could get solenoids for it if needed. But all the starters I found had lifetime warrantees so there was no point.

 

I have a starter that came off of my '95 that I'll sell you pretty cheap. It only had 65,000 miles on it when it came off. There's nothing wrong with it.