Starting problems. Any idea?

[OB1995]

Have a 1995 w/ 125,000 miles. Battery replaced 2 months ago. Yesterday after 3 attempts it would not start. The lights on the dash were on but not starting. I was about to call a tow truck & tired again & it started. I drove home & tried again after about 4 hours & it started again.

Drove several places today & it started fine. Then it hesitated again, but did start.

So I am wondering is it the starter? Or does it have something to do w/ the ignitition. Because it sort of seems if I really push the key in while starting then it will start, even if starting w/ a little hesitation.

Any thoughts.
Thanks.

[subiesailor]

Check your ground cables. These are known for causing issues in the older cars. Bad ground can cause lots of power and system issues.

[twagoon]

Could be a bad ground as stated before, could be a bad neutral safety switch if it's an automatic, a bad or out of adjustment clutch pedal switch if it's a manual. More info would be helpful though. When it doesn't start does it do anything? Does it click at all? Does it turn over but just not start?
If it clicks more than likely it is the starter, or rather the solenoid which is built into the starter. If that's the case just replace the starter.

[1 Lucky Texan]

given the relatively low miles, I'm gonna guess this car may have lived a life with a lot of short trips. So, I'm gonna suggest the contacts in the solenoid are worn out. However, it certainly is possible to have an intermittent switch.

The OEM starters are very robust, and rebuilding yours will likely give better/longer service than a typical replacement from a parts store. Even if the problem is not resolved, you will have a refreshed starter and will have eliminated one potential problem. If you are not a handy DIYer though, have a discussion with a trusted local mechanic. They may be able to diagnose and rebuild your starter.

[SubyTechJoe]

If you suspect the Inhibitor switch (automatic trans) changing from Park to Nuetral should alleviate the issue at least for diagnosis. I would also look closely at the cables, older cables are known to cause issues. Its Rare but I have seen a few switches mostly on cars that came with a patched in Inventory control device prior to original sale.

[1 Lucky Texan]

^^good call on the Safety Switch

[OB1995]

Thanks for the input.

It is an automatic. And yes the last few years it has had short trips & sometimes it just isn't driven (riding my bike.)

When I got in the car to go to work this morning it would not start right away & did that "click" thing. It took several tries. Then it started & I drove off. Started after work & w/ several errands stops & started perfect w/ no hesitation at all!

Not in a do it yourselfer beyound a few simple things.

Hmm, maybe it is a gremlin.

[twagoon]

If it clicks then it is most likely the starter solenoid so you can either replace it or rebuild the starter as stated above. There may be the off chance that it could just be poor connections or something like that, someone else would be able to comment on that better than I.
I have always just replaced the starter when it gets to that point, remember it's not going to get any better, just worse. Replacing the starter has always fixed the issue for me. If you go that rout make sure and do some research on which supplier has the more reliable units, they will almost always be rebuilt. Good luck, they are not difficult to replace.

[Glennda5id]

What size motor? 2.2?

It sounds like that starter, but your ground connection at the battery should be verified. Make sure that there is no corrosin and that it is tight.

If it is the starter, Denso (OE manufacturer) makes a reman which is the only replacement I would recommend. They sell them on rockauto. Do not use a Worldwide stater from Advance Auto.

[Heli0s]

Does anyone know if there is a tutorial anywhere on rebuilding the starter solenoid (preferably with pictures)? I cant seem to find one here or elsewhere...