Starter solenoid looseness
 

Hi all,

Need some help with my starter. As it has gotten cold, occasionally the starter goes 'click' when I go to start it. I get it to start by holding the key in start and working the shifter from D to N. Eventually it catches.

This happened same time last year. I tightened the start connections at the solenoid and all was well.

Went down to do the same this year, when I got to tighten the connections the entire solenoid assembly will rotate.

Is there any way to remedy this or am I taking the starter out?

(NSS has already been replaced - and is properly adjusted and working)

Thanks!
dd

Sure sounds like the NSS though. I would guess the best way to test is power right to the starter solenoid. If it works "manually" every time, there is an issue up the line somewhere.

Do you mean by jumping at the junction box on the passenger side in front of the battery?

I should add - I *only* and consistently only have this issue when the car has sat in the cold (less than 40F) for several hours (i.e. end of workday). Never a problem in the morning (stored in garage) or going around town on errands.

Is this on your '97 VW ?

85 300D :-)

If the solenoid rotates, it is damaged and needs replacement. The nuts are for an electrical connection and should not be over tightened. Sounds like the plastic is stripped. Didn't you have this problem a year ago or was that a different car?

Sounds like a battery problem.

same car. the starter cable was loose and i tightened it. all issues went away...until now.

perfect, can't wait to pull the starter out and spend $175 on a new one. i just replaced a Bosch reman alternator earlier this year that was three years old. pathetic considering the originals lasted 20+.

Im pretty sure it isn't the battery - it checked out on my charger/tester and is new within the year.

It's not exactly clear but this year since it has started to get cold have you attempted or needed to fool with the shifter to change the non-start circumstance? Or was that only last year when you had to do that?

Call Wagner Tomorrow
 

Wagner Alternators and Supplies, Inc.

They WILL have All the PARTS for your Starter.

Ask them about a New Planetary Gear set WITH METAL GEARS instead of Plastic

["Bosch Remans" @ the Big Box stores (AND Everywhere else) are "Spray + Pray"
I.E. "Do you really think ANYBODY goes inside a Bosch Starter and replaces Parts
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Starter repair is simple AND satisfying! (AND Cheap)

OOH! Free shipping until the 14th!

I did this last year for a non-start, and now as well.

Thank you compress ignite for the link. I definitely would like to rebuild over shelling out for a """"""new"""""" starter. Unfortunately since its my DD i need to be fairly sure I can take out the starter and put it back in same day (or next day if the weekend).

Planetary gear set ???? There was no planetary gear set when I had my 83 300 DT starter apart for rebuild.

If you are thinking of buying the solenoid end cap from Wagner (which is what sounds like is damaged on yours), don't bother, since it is crimped and you probably won't be able to get it apart and back together without ruining the crimp. If you need a solenoid housing, I have a good used one (Bosch). You know the trick getting the solenoid screws out without snapping them?

to remove the screws, some heat, some aerokroil, tight fitting bit (hammer it in after cleaning the screw head (some emery paste on the head of the screw also helps) - bin the original screws and buy new hex head ones.

manual impact driver and a 3 lb hammer in freefall swing. - Be sure to support the starter with wood, it will jar the screw loose in one blow.

for planet gears, runny type CVJ grease works good.