car trouble - Page 2

rh71 · 04-02-2002, 01:59 PM

Thanx. Assuming I can start it up with a jump, I'm throwing it over to PepBoys to have them do the $20 starter system (battery/alternator, etc.) check before doing the $80 plugs... but I need new plugs, etc. anyway. I wonder if the wires leading to the plugs cost extra...

04-02-2002, 02:06 PM

You shouldn't need to replace plugs in a post '95 vehicle. Well not often anyway. Not in something with a (I assume) newer designed motor like the Rodeos have. Our 95 Contour isn't supposed to need new plugs till 100K. Of course I changed them anyway because I'm neurotic like that.

Problem being that if your starter solenoid is dead, no amount of extra juice in the world is going to get the car to start (I think?) Hopefully it is just a charging problem. Ahhh for the days of caps and rotors and things that weren't computer controlled.

-Whir

caddmannq · 04-02-2002, 02:06 PM

Yup. Figure at least $30 or so. Maybe less. Is that a V6 or 4-cyl. ?Various qualities are available. Don't get the cheap ones.

BTW, most modern cars have platinum plugs. They last over 100,000 miles.

I wouldn't pay someone to change the plugs, unless you are all thumbs.

04-02-2002, 03:17 PM

pep boys charges $20 to do what? Their not charging that just to test it are they?

"very short click sound" sounds like a solenoid to me. A bad solenoid will usually just give you a single click every time you try to start the car. A dead battery will usually click repeatedly until the battery it totally discharged.

rh71 · 04-02-2002, 03:43 PM

I believe it is a charge to check all that stuff... they're supposed to do it for free ? I'd much rather have them do a complete check because I certainly don't know where to look.

From your input, sounds more like the solenoid then... if it's the battery, I have a lifetime warranty from Sears... how much for a new starter solenoid? Planning on bringing it in a few hours from now.

caddmannq · 04-02-2002, 04:11 PM

Check at http://www.napaonline.com

rh71 · 04-02-2002, 07:03 PM

... and the verdict is... a "bad starter".

Jumped my car and it started on the third try... just 2 clicks and the 3rd turn of the key worked as if nothing was wrong (go figure).

Went to Sears since my battery is under warranty there... tests indicate "battery may or may not" be okay... so they replaced it anyway... start up the car... no problems. Turned it off for a few, paid... went to leave and bingo... starter problems again. Mechanic immediately said "bad starter" and they couldn't do it there since it was "buried".

Drove over to Pep Boys after a random good start and they're having a look at it tomorrow, but the cashier guy who knew what he was talking about also said "bad starter" after I just gave him the symptoms. So I'll get the call tomorrow confirming it will cost $155 for the starter (that they actually had in stock) and $121 for labor since Isuzu decided to bury the thing... like the first guy said.

I'll do a regular tune-up after it's all fixed. My owner's manual says the following needs to be done after 60k (it's at 69k now):

- change front and rear axle oil
- change transfer case oil (4-wheel shifter?)
- adjust engine idle speed
- replace air cleaner filter
- replace spark plugs
- change engine coolant
- replace timing belt
- rotate tires
- change power steering fluid
- repack front wheel bearings (for 4x4)
- adjust steering gear play
- check transmission fluid

The dealer said $144 for a "tune up" including labor which may or may not include all this... if it does, I'd say it's worth it eh? I doubt it though, I know belts are expensive and I already know the cost for plugs. Think I need all that at 69k miles?

caddmannq · 04-02-2002, 08:12 PM

"Replace timing belt" alone is probably $400.

rh71 · 04-02-2002, 08:14 PM

Thx caddmann and all others for your help. I wish I had your knowledge about the inner workings of cars. Can someone load it up in a Matrix program or something ?

caddmannq · 04-02-2002, 08:19 PM

By the way...If somebody just listened to it and said "bad starter" and never even tightened the cable on the starter, he's just guessing!

Can you even see the cable end that bolts to the starter/solenoid?

I thought not! It's burried! You can't even tighten it untill you put the car on a hoist or take off a buncha other stuff, right?

I had a Mercury like that once, where you couldn't tighten the ground strap without total torture! I re-routed the thing directly to the front of the head. Unfortunately the positive cable must go right to the solenoid. Did he check the ground strap connecton to the block? Probably not. that's often burried too.