Ok guys... I'm not sure what the problem is, but my fc doesn't always start. I've tried cleaning the contacts of the starter, alternator, and battery terminals. The problem is : I turn the key to the on position and all of my electronics come on. However; as soon as I go to crank it, it will not always start sometimes it's the first try, others the fifth to twentieth. Can you guys tell me what the problem might be?

 

clutch switch

 

Are you trying it with the clutch held in each time or do you release the clutch and try again. If it's the latter it could be the clutch switch since they get funky sometimes. Otherwise...

 

It's an automatic . Maybe I'll try the automatic shifter and play with it... Any more suggestions.

 

Oops! Dunno about that one then. Switch maybe or is there a lockout thingy when it's in park. Will they start in neutral?

 

Ha, yes it does start in neutral, but that is because it doesn't push the button all of the way in when it is in park to start the car. However, I still must turn the key multiple times. Before starting the voltage reads about 12.5 then when it starts it reads close to 15(kind of dangerous territory i thought). Grounding issue somewhere perhaps?

 

Or could it possibly be a smaller than average battery. It only has 450 cranking amps and 650 when cold.

 

Could also be the solenoid on the starter itself. Mine used to do it. I had to turn the the key from on to start repeatedly, then finally it would turn over...

 

Yes, that sounds like exactly what it is, mine does the same thing. Do you recommend replacing the starter or is there another route?

 

I just had a run around with my starter. Why dont you remove the starter and clean it up really well? If you remove the rear plate on the starter motor you'll uncover all the spings and brushes. Make sure these are as clean as you can get them. ALso make sure the springs are pushing the brushes outward and not locked in place by grit and dirt. You can also use a very mild scratch pad on all contact material to clean things up a bit and improve continuity inside the starter motor. I did all this on my failed starter and now it cranks like a new starter, FOR FREE!

OH YA! Make sure you mark how the rear plate was aligned before disasebly cause it can actually go back together two ways. Wouldnt want to see sparks in reverse or anything.

 

Also if you think its a starter solenoid, you can get those for about $40 from almost any Autozone. You dont have to replace the entire starter if you think its just a solenoid, but, I strongly recommend you remove the starter first and at least check out wats going on, follow what I said above because I actually replaced my solenoid and it didnt help until I did above steps.

 

Here's a quick trick to try, but it takes 2 people, so borrow a friend or neighbor. Have your assistant hold the key in the start position. Use a small hammer or a long screwdriver to lightly tap on the body of the starter from above. If the engine starts to turn over, you need to replace the starter. As time goes by, the contacts in the starter solenoid fail, and the windings in the starter motor can develop "dead spots". It's also a good idea to check for power to the starter solenoid (smaller wire) when cranking if the tap test didn't help.