Starter problem (Page 1/1)
stevep914 JUL 26, 02:13 PM
Sorry, but another question regarding my previous post: why would the starter bench test fine when I jump the terminals, but not do it when installed in the car?,
OldGuyinaGT JUL 26, 03:56 PM
Have you tested the battery?

Bench testing the starter is a good idea, but that is a no-load test. Even if you're bench testing with the battery from the car, it may bench test fine because the current requirement is so much lower. Check the battery under load. If you don't have a load tester, monitor the battery voltage while cranking in the car. If it drops below about 11.5, the battery is suspect. In fact, voltage is not over about 12.5 with the engine off, then the battery is bad or the alternator isn't charging it properly. You can also have the battery load tested at most auto parts stores (although I've gotten a 'false negative' there before).
Patrick JUL 26, 05:51 PM
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Steve, when I've had starter issues in the past, it quite often was the result of poor battery cable connections (loose and/or corroded)...(positive and/or negative), usually at the battery end. And sometimes it's the cable itself that's become fubarred. And yes... a good battery fully charged should be about 12.6v.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-26-2025).]

stevep914 JUL 26, 07:28 PM
Thankyou guys for your input! I had done all the corrosion/ cable checks before I did anything else. However, this afternoon, I ran a wire direct from the battery to the small solenoid post, and with the ignition on, I got start. There is no response to turning the ignition key to the start position. So I assume my issue is in the ignition switch, or the circuit from it to the starter. This car has had a ton of wiring done when it was converted to an F40 replica, so stock wiring diagrams do not serve me well. I always wanted a push button start, so that’s the route I went today, and everything is functional. Thanks again, I can always depend on some of you to offer help! Steve
Patrick JUL 26, 08:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by stevep914:

...this afternoon, I ran a wire direct from the battery to the small solenoid post, and with the ignition on, I got start.



Steve, glad you got it to start...but did you check your clutch/neutral safety switch?
82-T/A [At Work] JUL 27, 03:52 PM
IF... after testing everything and it turns out your starter needs to be replaced... don't buy a standard replacement starter. You can go with a much smaller starter... the "high torque" mini starters that came with the newer GM cars from the early to mid 90s. They weight half as much, are much more efficient, use less power, etc., etc....

You can see that here (along with other accessory upgrades) on this video:
fierosound JUL 28, 11:14 AM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

IF... after testing everything and it turns out your starter needs to be replaced... don't buy a standard replacement starter. You can go with a much smaller starter... the "high torque" mini starters that came with the newer GM cars from the early to mid 90s. They weight half as much, are much more efficient, use less power, etc., etc....




More info on later model gear starters.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/...120111-2-108710.html


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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 07-28-2025).]

stevep914 JUL 28, 08:30 PM
Thanks for the suggestions guys! Patrick, I know the problem is somewhere in the ign to starter solenoid circuit. Could be the neutral safety switch. Access to specialty parts for the Fiero is difficult in Mexico, as the car was never sold here. Duty across the Us border is almost 100%. I have already added a whole new starter assembly including solenoid- available only as one choice through Autozone. O’Rielly’s just opened up here. Maybe more choices with that. Salt eats the crap out of everything here, and sometimes a new replacement is better than repair. At 76, the new starter hopefully will outlast me! I still enjoy the car, and spend more time tinkering with it than driving it. All good with all the support I can always depend upon here. Thanks again to all! Steve