Recently, my 1987 N/A base was sounding a little choppy when starting up, just like when a battery gets old. Sure enough, the battery was past experation and gave up the next week. I dropped a new battery in but the car would not start. Finally, after pushing starting it, the car started up and the battery would hold charge. For about 3 days the car was fine, until today when the NEW battery began sounding old and worn out when starting up. Just this afternoon, i went to start the car and it would not start, not even any clicking. Im thinking it could be a starter relay, but i wanted to get some feedback. What are common problems to the starter and how may i remedy this terrible ailment? Thanks

 

Check the alternator, also try disconneting the ground on the battery when parked for extended periods, you could have a parisitic drain...

 

Ok... I had a similar problem. I installed a new stereo and amps. It seems the amps were staying on and draining my battery after sitting for a week. I ended up installing a relay for the amps and it took care of the problem. My advize....make shure nothinfg is staying on after you turn the car off. (Lights, stereo, etc.) If you think it is the relay...does they headlights come on? does the horn sound normal? if they do then it could be the relay or a bad -/+ cable/ connection, otherwise try using a cable to hook up between the battery and the starter, if it cranks then it could be the relay. If the light don't come on and the horn is week.....you have something draining your battery.

 

Did you check your battery to see if it still has 12 volts +? Maybe you have a short somewhere and your battery is draining down. Turn your lights on and then try cranking it over. See if the lights remain on or go really dim.

 

ya i checked the volts and it still reads 14, as usual. no new components have been installed recently, so i don't know what would be draining the battery. and when the car was running, the last time it worked i shut the car off after driving home (~10 minutes) and then tried to start it once more only about 15 minutes later, and it wouldn't start. so im a bit skeptical that something would be draining it, but ill have a look-see. any other suggestions welcome

 

I would bench test the starter. Maybe the solenoid is dead or stuck. Check the trigger wire to see that it is on securely.
check your ground and the battery cable for corrosion. They also need to be replaced every once in awhile.

 

alright sounds good, but where is the starter and starter relay located? i'll check them out tonight.

 

Just follow the positive battery cable down the engine bay and you will hit the starter sits right on the bellhousing of the trans. You have to lift up your car so that you can get to the starter. Starter solenoid is mounted on the starter.

 

Alright and then the relay? How will i distinguish that?

 

I have an 87 N/A starter that I would like to get rid of. PM me and we'll talk prices. (If you want it)