I have a starting issue that has been a source of irritation since I bought my 69 2+2 in 2009. When I go to start it, SOMETIMES i hear just a click. If I repeat turning the key 2 or 3 times, hearing a click at each time, it will start just fine. I thought it was a flat spot in the solenoid or starter. I just recently installed a new starter and solenoid along with a new battery. Same problem exists. It had this problem BEFORE I installed a new key switch, ignition switch, neutral safety switch, battery cables (4 gauge), voltage regulator, and wire to the starter solenoid (which runs from the neutral safety switch to the starter solenoid). All this was done after I bought the car. I am at a loss of what to do. Any ideas? This system is not complicated, but I am stumped. Thanks for any ideas on where to start.
Does that wire from the neutral switch to the solenoid go through a connector on the firewall? (like the earlier years?) If so, check that connector, it's common for them to have corrosion in them.
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1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
This is not a hot start problem, as it does it when cold. The wire to the starter is a direct run and is in excellent shape. I am wondering, as mentioned, about a ground problem. The ground from the battery to the block is good and clean. The confusing part is how intermittent the problem is. Could the block to frame ground or block to chassis ground cause this?
Any chance its a slight alignment issue? Any usual wear marks on the teeth on the old starter?
With the quality of new parts these days, it could be the new starter.
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
The starter that was on the car when I bought it was new and was doing it at the time I bought it. Based on it still doing it after I installed the new one, Im thinking its a ground or wiring issue. No visible alignment issues. The click is a single loud click at the solenoid. I will try the jumper route later this week and report back.
Robert, you should just sell the car. When can I come pick up I would try buying a short cable with the eyes on the end. Bolt one end to the block where the ground comes from battery and the other to the starter
Robert, you should just sell the car. When can I come pick up I would try buying a short cable with the eyes on the end. Bolt one end to the block where the ground comes from battery and the other to the starter
Well, Ive had the problem for over 10 years, so it hasnt been that big of an issue that I would sell it! LOL! i actually have thought about trying the ground cable. I will add it to the list. Thanks!
My 64 CS had the exact same issue. Came down to a faulty ignition switch
I agree. I had a pickup that if you turned the ignition all the way to start all you got was click. If you turned the key slowly and stopped turning the key when it started cranking it would start every time.
My 64 CS had the exact same issue. Came down to a faulty ignition switch
I agree. I had a pickup that if you turned the ignition all the way to start all you got was click. If you turned the key slowly and stopped turning the key when it started cranking it would start every time.
Paul
I wont be able to check this out until next week, but you are talking the ignition switch and not the key switch, right? Thanks for the confirmation that Im not the only one that has had this problem!
By process of elimination since you listed the other changes, Neutral switch, neutral switch adjustment, wire from neutral switch to bulkhead connector, bulkhead connector itself, sketchy body to engine grounding.
Heres an update. I hooked up my remote starting switch to the starter solenoid and while in a horizontal position (but still awake) I cycled the starter 2 dozen times. No issue at all. The starter gear engaged the flywheel every time. So, I will be moving on to the ignition switch and the wiring inside the car. i will also be changing out my battery cables to a heavier gauge than the 6 gauge, currently on the car. Probably unnecessary, but an upgrade wont hurt anything.
It's a problem that I have never run into before. Before I used the remote starter switch on it, I had a friend try to start it turning the key, while I was observing the starter. I determined, that when the starter would just "click", the starter gear was not engaging and hitting the flywheel. I thought maybe it was an alignment issue, like previously suggested, but when I attached the remote switch, I could not get it to repeat the problem. I read that it could be a power loss when the starter bendix retracts and doesn't return all the way. So, that is what I am going on. Time will tell!
I would try buying a short cable with the eyes on the end. Bolt one end to the block where the ground comes from battery and the other to the starter
I read that it could be a power loss when the starter bendix retracts and doesn't return all the way. So, that is what I am going on. Time will tell!