It'* been a while since I posted anything about my 94 SE and the shudder that happens when the TC locks. It took some time to get the funds and the time to work through all the sensors and tune-ups. What it came down to was a clogged Fuel Injector on the first cylinder. I started having problems getting started every once in a while. There was a bunch of build up on the plug, so it was my guess that paid off. I'm so proud. It took a lot of work to get the fuel rail off and then the gaskets back into the rail, but I did it.

Now the problem (And I'm really just venting...). On my way out to get the parts I needed (I finally had a couple hundred dollars I could spend), my car wouldn't turn over. There'* a clicking behind the steering column and every once in a while it'* turning over a bit. I was able to get it started twice last night, so I'm thinking that it'* weather related.

My plan is to replace the Fuel Regulator and get the starter and battery tested. I've got fresh spark plugs to install in case I needed to after the injectorwas installed. I have also put my battery on my charger to make sure it'* holding a charge and it is, but testing'* free, right?

Anybody have an other suggestions?

But, doesn't it figure that just when I had my 2+ year old problem solved, it wouldn't start to get the parts?

Don't replace the fuel pressure regulator for a starting problem that involves 'clicking'. It has nothing to do with it. Your starter isn't turning.

The series 1 seems to have a problem with filthy injectors. It can cause you're car to run lean too.

I would look at the cheap stuff first, not just because I don't have a lot of money, but because I don't like to spend money when I don't really need to. Check the battery at a place that can put a load test on it, and inspect the cables that connect to the battery and starter (+) and the battery and the engine block (-). Make sure the contacts are bright and tight. Check the little wire that connects to the starter solenoid too.

Yeah. I think I'll do that tomorrow. I was able to get a guy to do the driving to Marietta, OH for some geocaching today. I may be too sore tomorrow to get under the car...

What'* the cost usually for someone to do this for me? I just want to get another 14000 out of it, but it'* got to start to get me to 200k...

If you go to a private garage: $60-70/hour + "list" price for parts List price = price you would pay at auto parts store x about 1.8

If you go to the dealer: more, but the dealer usually sells you good (OEM) parts and often (not always) provides good labor.

[edit: O'Reilly sells rebuilt starters for your car from $60-145. I'm guessing a private shop would charge you about $200 - $250 for a job you could do yourself for about $70]

Darn... I was hoping to justify getting it done. My driveway slopes too much to raise the car up at all. Guess I'm looking for a friend with some room in the driveway....

Thanks for the help...

All Right! The problem with starting got progressively worse in the cold. So, yesterday, afterfinally getting her started for the first time since Friday night (I had tried on Saturday and Sunday) I took it right to my shop. They agreed that it sounded like a problem starter. It was going to need to stay overnight, most likely so they could get a part...

Well, I called today. It was done. Low and behold, it wasn't the starter. It was some problem with the Positive battery terminal. I'm guessing they just cleaned it off good. So, $12 into the bonneville and I'm almost good as new.

No Shudder.
Great gas milage (25-27mpg)
Starts without hesitation.
Incredible.

When I picked her up today and wrote my $12 check, I said I was a little disappointed that the last two times I've brought her in, I suspected big things (a couple weeks ago, the steering was grinding and I suspected CV Boots and this time a new starter) but they find small things (then it was a $38 connecting pin replacement). The owner looked me in the eye and says "Just think how I feel!"

I just like that this shop doesn't try to get every penny I have. They'll even tell me what I can do at home that isn't an emergency. They won't say how to do it but at least they tell me what needs to be done and why. Gotta respect that.

That is a great shop. Make sure you repay them by recommending them to your friends. Glad your problems have been so easy!

Great news! I'd say at least half the clicking problems with no start are related to battery cables and connections.