Sticking Solenoid?

[David13]

I posted about this before. Seems like the starter solenoid sticks or is bad and doesn't disconnect the starter thus causing the car to not start. But I couldn't get it to do it again. To repeat it, and it quit doing it for a long time, maybe a year.

Now it did it again about ten times, then it dropped back and allowed the motor to start. And it is not doing it again.

This time it was on a steep uphill climb maybe from 5000 to 8000 feet on a dirt trail. In 2 wheel drive.

I don't want to replace an otherwise good starter only to have it do it again. So what else could it be.

I thought maybe fuel pressure. I was on a little uphill (parked) when it did this again. Could it be the fuel pump is getting weak?

What else could cause that?

dc

 

[KJowner]

Is it actually turning over? If it's not turning then starter or neutral interlock would be where I'd start looking

 

[David13]

No, it turns over. It appears or seems that the solenoid does not release, or kick out to let it start. It just keeps cranking.

Thanks

dc

 

[KJowner]

So it keeps cranking when you release the key?

 

[David13]

No. It stops then. When I cut the key back to nothing, it stops.

All the classic signs of a bad solenoid. But. What else could be involved?
dc

 

[DadOSix]

No. It stops then. When I cut the key back to nothing, it stops.

All the classic signs of a bad solenoid. But. What else could be involved?
dc

??

Key to start - starter cranks
Key released to run - starter still runs, or , starter stops
Off - all stop.

I am confused on step 2 - when you release the key from start to run - if the starter is still engaged, most likely a bad ignition switch.

 

[David13]

Thanks Dad, you have given me much to think about ... or test.



Part of the problem is recreating the problem. I have been intermittently going to start it to see if it does this again. Like above, it had quit doing it for many months.



I randomly tried it today and twice it did it. Then, third time, it starts normally.



I completely agree. It could be the switch. But also the solenoid or Bendix as it used to be known as.



I suppose I could take out the starter and clean it, see if it looks dirty from off road use or anything and then try it.



I suppose I could wiggle the key in the switch to see if that affects it.

Thanks
dc

 

[DadOSix]

Thanks Dad, you have given me much to think about ... or test.



Part of the problem is recreating the problem. I have been intermittently going to start it to see if it does this again. Like above, it had quit doing it for many months.



I randomly tried it today and twice it did it. Then, third time, it starts normally.



I completely agree. It could be the switch. But also the solenoid or Bendix as it used to be known as.



I suppose I could take out the starter and clean it, see if it looks dirty from off road use or anything and then try it.



I suppose I could wiggle the key in the switch to see if that affects it.

Thanks
dc

Bendix - i didnt say that bc no one knows what it is !!

A sticky bendix will either / not engage, do all you hear is a whirr. Or will not disenegage / centrifugal force throws it home once the engine rpm is faster that starter. If it does not disengage , your jeep sounds like a thrashing machine.

 

[David13]

Like a thrashing machine. That is, trying to start but not starting because the starter, which has not disengaged, is slowing it down and causing it to stall out.

Yeah, I think that is what it is not doing. It does make some noise. But it may simply be the switch. I'm wiggling the switch to see if I can replicate the issue. Nothing yet.

What can I try?
dc