924Board.org

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

Ok, in reference to this post:
http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=21537

Yesterday, the weather is getting closer and closer to be warm enough to spend most of the day outside. So, I cleaned out the garage Sunday - moved stuff into the garage attic I recently insulated and floored. Threw a couple things in the trash and generally organized my space.

Just before I began, I started up my toofa and let it run for a few minutes - just as I have been doing every week all winter long. So, I figured I clean the garage out, get the 20+ 2x4s laying under the car, and then take my car for a spin - finally. I got EVERY thing cleaned and organized, yelled inside, "Honey, be back a couple minutes" and didn't wait for a reply. Jumped in the driver seat with a huge smile on my face and *click*.

IT CAN'T BE!! I just had the car running 2 hours ago and flawlessly all winter long. I am pretty certain the starter is dead. There were times during the winter that I'd get a click but then after turning the key again I'd get a good clean start. So I am pretty certain it is the starter.

My question, is there a way to test something to be certain that is what it is? Can tap the starter with a hammer (note "tap") or something else? I turned the alternater by hand a few revolutions hoping that might do something but I realize that wasn't going to do anything. Naturally, I could get a few neighbors to push me down the road and I could pop the clutch - any other ideas?

Thanks in advance?
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924.org (no time to complete)
9249206346 - 89k – new shifter bushings, belts, running well.
9249206347 - 8k – waiting its resurrection, no power at the fuel pump and fuse #7 blows w/power

Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

Do a search on "solenoid" or "solenoid cleaning." Look for Smoothie posts. . .
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WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

Smoothie · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 6:32 am Post subject:

A click from under the car tells you the ignition switch is ok - and the battery's at least good enough to pull in the starter solenoids' armature - and that part of the solenoid isn't gunked-up.
Could still be a weak battery though - not strong enough to spin the starters' motor. Could also be a loose/oxidized connection at the battery, starter or alternator. Start by cleaning the battery connections and try it again.
If the battery and connections are good, then you likely have corroded contacts inside the solenoid (the switch part of the solenoid).
I would just replace the solenoid - the starter motor should still be good.
-But the whole starter has to come out to replace the solenoid.
Lube the new solenoids' switch as described in my second post here - http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=16983
as preventative maintenance to extend its' life.
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"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure if my description was accurate enough. It is a single click when I turn the key. I double checked the battery even though it is new and I installed and cleaned it last fall. I am certain the battery is strong enough to start the car - its been good all winter long. So I was suspecting the starter since I had this symptom for a while now. I hope, however, that is the Solenoid as that is much easier to correct then replacing the starter.

I follow and clean all my connections to and from the Solenoid - which I should have thought of to begin with as much as I've seen/heard of electrical problems with these cars on the board - thanks for pointing that out.

BTW - The Haynes manual refers to an Ignition Coil. Forgive my naiveness, but isn't that just the solenoid?
(just making sure I am using the right terms)

Thanks in advance for the clarification.
_________________
924.org (no time to complete)
9249206346 - 89k – new shifter bushings, belts, running well.
9249206347 - 8k – waiting its resurrection, no power at the fuel pump and fuse #7 blows w/power

pocketscience · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:08 pm Post subject:

Ignition coil
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Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about Porsche!
81 924 N/A, GTS lights, Saratoga, interior, headers, Integral cam, EFI (sold)
95 993
69 911

Smoothie · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject:

Yeah they're different parts. The ignition coil's at the top-center-rear of the engine compartment. The starter solenoid is attached to the starter at the bottom-right side of the engine.
_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

Nobbi · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 1398 Location: Germany

Hey,

did you check the connector close to the battery where the cable from the starter- motor is coming up( a big yellow plastic cover arround it) ??
I once had a problem like you have and it was simply al loose connection in that plug.

Nobby

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

update:

So I disconnected the ignition coil and and the Bosch Ignition Thingy (on wheel well - brain fart on the name of it) and the same thing happens.

So those two items are AFTER the issue I am having.

I turn the key to the on position and EVERY thing works fine (electrically) the head lights, wipers, etc. So, what come before that in the sequence?
_________________
924.org (no time to complete)
9249206346 - 89k – new shifter bushings, belts, running well.
9249206347 - 8k – waiting its resurrection, no power at the fuel pump and fuse #7 blows w/power

Min · Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject:

I skimmed the thread, and I fought with this problem for quite awhile myself before finding out what was actually cuasing it.

First thing you should do is run a new wire from the solenoid directly to the battery. Don't do anything else until you've done this. If the starter tries to start the car, you have a wireing problem. If the starter does the same thing, you have a battery or solenoid/starter problem.

if your feeling adventurous you could also short across the solenoid with a screwdriver rather than running a wire. But that would depend on the type of solenoid you have on youir starter (i've seen a few different types on the various starters I've had over the years)

In my case it turned out to be a problem with the white connector up near the battery, I deleted that connector from the circuit and it hasn't failed me since.

Min
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Custom means it didn't come from a box.
1980 n/a with EDIS and Megasquirt II Injection. 7 different colors and counting.