cdsonic

I have had this happen to me twice now when I go to start my car the starter motor solenoid does a hundred mile an hour and the car wont start. The solenoid seems to be stuck on i disconnect the battery and reconnect and it starts the solenoid spinning again.
I took it to and auto electrician by tilt tray because it did it the night before and when he looked at it every thing ran perfect an he could fine nothing wrong with it. I going a way for a few days to day and guess what it’s doing it again any suggestions?

mongrelEB

First up check the connection between the solenoid and the motor, this may need reseating. If its spinning, is it the solenoid or the starter that has the problem? The solenoid goes in and out = clunking noises.
Spinning could indicate a rooted solenoid, IMHO....:)

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Pacemaker headers + 2.5" exhaust
EF Fairmont interior
MP3 player
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5 speed manual
EF motor

Newest mod: EF Ghia wiring loom and dash

tonyk

If you simply connect the batt and the solenoid kicks in (they dont spin themselves - the starter motor does) or the starter spins without kicking into the ring gear or both happens the starter circuit is "on" or closed.

The most likely place is the starter relay which should be in your "relay box" if its a late model car. It will be a 4 or 5 pin relay.
The starter itself gets power direct from batt but the triggering is via relay only not direct. They can be intermittent.

If its an older model there is still a relay but it may be incorporated in the dash wiring or on the starter itself or on the firewall. Old models can have a separate solenoid altogether.

You dont say if the starter runs when the ignition key is in the off position, on, or start etc. Does the key do anything as far as starting the engine or is the starter just playing all by itself?

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Well done SA pollies (for once). Hoon laws are long overdue to protect car enthusiasts against idiot drivers.

cdsonic

Thanks it was the starter relay.