Starter Motor Problem

Ren · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 05:37 AM

Here is the issue. When I turn the key on my S4 there is nothing not even a click from the starter. All the ignition lights light up and the battery is in good condition. With the ignition off I have checked the voltage at the main post on the back of the starter motor solenoid. The reading is around 13 plus volts when earthing the meter. With the ignition on I also have 13 plus volts on the thin wire to the solenoid. When I attach the meter to the braided wire ( solenoid to starter motor) and turn the ignition on I get zero reading.
On this basis I assume the solenoid has had it? I am checking this correctly.
Any help will as always be appreciated.

**Tifosi** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 06:33 AM

By that description I'd hazard that, yes, the solinoid has bought the farm on you.

A trick you may want to attempt, provided you can get at it, would be to have a helper turn and hold the key in the 'start' position, and give the solinoid a good pop with the end of a breaker bar, piece of pipe, re-rod, etc. in an effort to jolt the contacts into activity in there.

It won't actually fix the problem for you obviously, but it is a way to help confirm whether the solinoid is beaing stupid. (and can occasionally get you up and running in the event you really, really need to drive the car. Just don't shut it off unless you're parked on a hill....)

On the plus side, the part is an 'available seperately' item, so you don't have to eat the price for a whole new starter, or take the rump-pump price scalp on a rebuilt one from a supplier.

**jcslocum** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2008, 06:07 AM

You can also "jump" the solenoid from one post to the other with a big metal object. We used to use a pair of pliers to perform this trick to get stranded cars going. It will spark like crazy but the starter should crank and if the key is on, it will start.

DarkWolf40 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2008, 07:37 AM

My starter was turning really slow on my S4 so I decided to replace it. I got one from Alfa Parts on Line and when I took the old one off it only had one bolt! The other two either fell off at some point or were never installed. Anyway, the new one is so quiet I can hardly hear it, cranks much faster. What a hassle though getting it out. My advice, since its a pain in the rear, especially if you've got big hands, replace the whole thing so your not doing it again real soon. After sending the core back, it's only $125.