Hey everyone --

I've got an intermittent problem that I could use some help diagnosing. I have recently replaced the ignition switch, starter solenoid, starter, and battery, and complete wiring harness. With a charged battery, my Mini occasionally has trouble starting. This morning, it acted like a dead battery with the loud CLICK at the solenoid when I turn the key, but no starter turn over at all. I was trying to get a voltmeter reading when the key was in the start position by connecting my voltmeter between the starter post on the solenoid and the engine ground. The starter jumped to life when I was probing around. Connecting a charger to the battery resulted in the charger indicating a fully charged battery after about 1 minute.

Seems like a bad cable and/or connection at the solenoid on the connection to the starter. The connection appears tight, and the cable has some mild corrosion, but not near enough to me to think it could be the problem. Is it possible that the new solenoid has a problem and needs to be replaced? The 'new' solenoid I installed is from MiniMania, and I have no idea about the quality.

I'm usually good at troubleshooting these issues but I'm a little stumped right now. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Oh, and rapping on the (new) starter with my dead blow had no effect.

Thanks for any advice,
Jeff

 

Sounds similar to a recent problem I had with my 94 Mazda B4000. One test you can do is to use jumper cables between the ground on the battery and a ground on the engine. That will act as a test to see if the ground wire is bad. Similarly, you can do the same with the Pos cable going to the starter. Evidence of some visible corrosion is often a sign of much worse hidden corrosion. Possibly even enough to cause starting problems. Using the jumper cables to simulate new cables will at least tell you if the ones you have are up to par or not.

 

I you ever change your starter solenoid again, get one for a 80's mustang. they are much better then the lucas ones. also check your ground strap from the motor to the body.

 

I was just going to recommend the ground strap from the flywheel cover to body - maybe its not making a good connection on either end.

or maybe it's missing - in which case replace it!

 

Nope, it's not a ground problem. There's good grounds from engine to subframe and engine to body. It's either the solenoid or cable from the solenoid to the starter.

 

check you ground strap from the battery to the body and the wire from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. if that isn't it, get yourself a starter solenoid from a 80's mustang (they are cheap) and replace your existing one.

 

so u can get a starter from a 80's mustang and it fits?hmm...anyone have a part no or a model year mustang that had the best one?

 

No, not the starter, just the starter solenoid. They are detached from the starter. 70's GMs were the same way. My Jeep CJ was that way. I guess I could use any ... I just didn't think about it. Probably anything's better than the Lucas solenoid I put on my Mini.

Jeff

 

does anyone have a part number they used or a particular model year of mustang for the best one?

 

what year and model of mustang?and part no's?

 

I asked for an 84 mustang