How to remove starter?

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:24 pm

Thanks to all for the help. The starter is installed & working. I needed my 16 yr old son to help 'cause my hands & arms are just too big to get to that top bolt. Now back to the carb problems...

Thanks again.

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:22 pm

Back to starter issues. - Trying to restart after carb issues, the engine turned over and almost caught once or twice. Battery seemed to be discharging so I hooked up the jumber cables. Turned it over some more, then it just stopped - no starter at all when I turned the key. I removed and checked all the fuses in the box by the steering column - all OK. The manual says there is a 25A fuse in the box, but it isn't listed in which controls what, and I couldn't find it. Other cars I've owned had a master fuse in the engine compartment, but I couldn't locate for the Fiat, in the engine compartment or in the trunk near the battery.

After the first check of the fuses, the starter turned over again on the next start attempt, then back to nothing.

Have I got a defective starter, or a loose fuse or something?

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:02 pm

Mine did the same thing when the spade connector to the solenoid wasn't on properly.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:16 am

the starter isn't controlled by fuses. You'll need to put a voltmeter on the solenoid spade connector to ensure you're getting voltage there when you have a no-crank situation. I'd check the connector near the ignition switch and in the engine compartment if you're losing voltage to the starter.

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 10:10 pm

Is there a way to get to that spade terminal without lifting the car, removing the oil filter and clutch cable, etc.? I tried from the top of the engine, but I can't see it, I think I can feel it, but I can't get a grip on it with my fingers...

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:32 pm

New starter is in; so of course a new problem arises.
Turned the key, engine turned over, turned key off, starter kept turning until I disconnected the battery cable. I need to replace the ignition switch, correct?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:04 am

not necessarily, low voltage (weak battery) will cause the solenoid to stick and keep the starter cranking or a defective solenoid will have the same result. I've never seen an ign switch fail in the start position

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:20 am

I had one fail in the start position....went to turn it off and the car kept running. I had to disconnect the battery to shut it off or stall it with the clutch, but the starter wouldn't stay engaged.

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:22 am

Leaving switch in OFF position I tried reconnecting the battery; the starter spun again but it didn't turn the engine over - makes me think it isn't the solenoid.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 10:14 am

Denise-your switch failed in the ON position, not start

Baggins-if the starter is spinning but not engaging, it's not an ignition switch problem. Either a solenoid problem or wiring problem-such as the batter cable touching the lower lug on the solenoid. Make sure the battery has at least 12v and the cables are tight

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:17 pm

Checking it out today... first reattached the battery - OK. Turned the key and starter engaged and turned the car over. Did it a few more times; sometimes the car turned over, sometimes just a click (sounds like solenoid is pushing the gear to the flywheel but starter not turning). Now nothing but clicks. Removing the starter, again. Not quite down to 45 minutes, but getting closer.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:19 pm

if you don't have a voltmeter, you should invest in a cheap one. It's the only way to effectively troubleshoot electrical troubles. Otherwise that starter is going to have a zipper on it

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:31 pm

I've got one; what do I check?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 11:59 pm

check the voltage where the batt cable attaches to the starter, key off, then when trying to start.

baggins987 · Post by **baggins987** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:27 pm

V across battery terminals = 12.6
V battery lug to ground, key off = 12.6, on = 12.6, start = 11.7
V solenoid cable to ground, key off = 0, on = 0, start = 12.5

So that means the problem is in the starter, correct?