1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

Difficulty Starting Sometimes

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Old 03-23-2007, 11:25 PM
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Default Difficulty Starting Sometimes

Okay. I know you're thiniking "Clean your battery cables and under the boots and you're set"

Well I did that and even replaced the battery and a new lead washer.

It starts all the time until Thursday, it wouldn't even crank. I got lights so I knew battery was good and I knew I cleaned everything. After a coupla attempts, I gave up and waited a while then it started. Today, same issue, attempted many times then it started after I waited a while

WTF it'* annoying and makes me lose my patience.

Ideas?
Old 03-23-2007, 11:31 PM
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The only time this that has ever happened to me it was a bad ground on the frame. When it acted up it wouldn't even start with a jump; and then one guy touched bumpers and it started right up. That gave me my clue and had it fixed the next day. I learned my 'grounds' lesson early; i was 17 and bumpers were astill made of metal.
Old 03-23-2007, 11:54 PM
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Won't crank at all, with good power for everything else.

That would usually indicate a dirty/bad starter soleniod. The contacts on the solenoid get dirty/gummed up and it won't give power to the starter to engage the starter.

While holding the key to the on position..have someone tap the starter with a hammer. (ok..whack it pretty good being careful where you hit so you don't damage it)
Old 03-23-2007, 11:58 PM
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will that cure the problem or just get it started?
Old 03-24-2007, 01:03 AM
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I doubt it'll actually cure it...but it'll help point you in the rigjht direction.
Old 03-31-2007, 04:36 PM
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Just needed to bump this back up for a bit of more advice.

Now it'* worsening.

I have not yet done the hammering the starter method yet becuase for a while it went away but now it'* stubborn..

Suppose it'* the bad solenoid, is the solenoid replaceable or have to get a new starter (I asked Toasty this but I forgot his answer)

I also should mention that I get a angry security light on for a good while after I go back to off position and key out.

Key has been cleaned really good.

Thanks for advice.
Old 03-31-2007, 06:30 PM
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I'm going to go with Bill here, It probably going to be a solenoid, Slight chance the brushes are worn.


Try smacking the starter with a hammer. If that works test the starter motor and solenoid.
Old 04-01-2007, 12:00 AM
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I had a similar issue with my car recently, and I found that if i messed with the wires under the dash, the car would then start. I found one of the connections had become slightly loose on the passkey system. The security light would continually blink while i attempted to start it, i'd leave, come back, and it'd start. I cleaned and secured the connector. The car has started fine the past 2 days, since i fixed the connector.

I'd check the starter solenoid first. Mine wasn't getting power, which lead me under the dash.
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