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HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem......


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LudlowLou
User

Mar 12, 2013, 10:44 AM

Post #1 of 11 (4268 views)
HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

starter just spins. sounds as though it wants to catch sometimes. I already changed the battery (needed one anyways) and just changed the starter? This does NOT happen all the time. Sounds electrical to me, which is my weakness.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 12, 2013, 11:19 AM

Post #2 of 11 (4245 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Why did you replace the starter?

Probably a defective starter drive or overrunning clutch on the bendix. How are the teeth on the flywheel?





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Mar 12, 2013, 11:21 AM)


LudlowLou
User

Mar 12, 2013, 11:30 AM

Post #3 of 11 (4233 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Seemed like the right thing to do?


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 12, 2013, 3:54 PM

Post #4 of 11 (4214 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Was it cranking fine before you replaced the starter because it was the right thing to do?





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


LudlowLou
User

Mar 12, 2013, 4:06 PM

Post #5 of 11 (4209 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Most of the time. It will just spin, intermittently. Just like that, again. Seems like maybe a ground, or a relay? What do I know?


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 12, 2013, 4:15 PM

Post #6 of 11 (4208 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Which engine do you have?





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


LudlowLou
User

Mar 12, 2013, 7:47 PM

Post #7 of 11 (4188 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

2.2L, 5spd


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Mar 13, 2013, 5:53 PM

Post #8 of 11 (4163 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Does this have a remote start system or aftermarket alarm system installed?

The starter solenoid has pull in and hold in windings. When the starter relay is energized this energizes both windings. The pull in windings then close the contacts which causes a plunger on the contacts to open the pull in winding circuit. The hold in windings hold the starter motor contacts closed. When the starter motor contacts are closed power goes to the starter motor.

I have seen cases of where the starter solenoid circuit has enough resistance somewhere to cause the pull and hold in windings to chatter the contacts, so the starter drive spins but the hold in windings don't have enough electromagnetism to hold the contacts close. When they open the voltage goes up in the windings cause the motor isn't drawing any current. Then it goes through this cycle of bobbing the contacts open and closed.

You could check for excessive resistance in the starter solenoid circuit by doing a voltage drop test. Take your volt meter and measure the voltage between the starter S terminal and the battery positive post while someone is cranking the engine. You should see less than 0.30 volts DC. If you disable the engine from starting by removing the fuel pump relay, it will make it easier to check cause you can run the starter longer.

It is also important to make sure your battery tests good and is fully charged. Make sure your battery connections are clean and tight too and voltage drop the battery cables while cranking the engine to be sure you don't have excessive resistance in the cables. The drop in the cables should exceed 0.50 volts DC.

Read this on how to do a voltage drop test.


http://www.freeasestudyguides.com/voltage-drop-test.html





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Mar 13, 2013, 6:05 PM)


LudlowLou
User

Mar 14, 2013, 8:11 AM

Post #9 of 11 (4146 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

Thanks for all your help.....you are truly a scholar at this stuff.

Insofar as the remote starter.....nope. This is just your good olde fashioned spare work truck....runs great, good tires, exhaust, new battery (&starter!!!!), and most of all the interior is still nice, there are no leaks, and, it does not smell too bad providing no one farts. This little truck is my buddy. When I feel sad, I take a country ride maybe stop at Tractor Supply for some window shopping......and it is gonna be all good.

It is back at an auto voke school where the starter was changed. They got the computers, analyzers, extra hands (often there is a clear mind that goes with them) and most of all committed teachers. No body is perfect. But I do like the idea that at least they are NOT teaching the students how to lie and cheat.

Grease joe down the way would already have some of my good money (rightfully so), but now be full of excuses, and I would be on my way to voicemail hell (without resolution).

I once had the benefit of an ASE mechanic with years of new car dealership experience, and had a fully equipped shop at home. He went to work at the PO and took in just enough side work so his wife would not complain. I never begrudged him his money.....why? Because he ALWAYS fixed my stuff......always.

God Bless all the honest mechanics, and , future ones...............LOUIS


LudlowLou
User

Mar 28, 2013, 7:22 AM

Post #10 of 11 (4069 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

99GMC Sonoma 2.2L, 5spd, mystery startin problem solved
I found my problem! I was lucky enough to have a buddy around during this intermitent start problem. I turned ignition while he watched starter gear engage flywheel. BOTH spin but engine does NOT cranck!

We went & discussed with his mechanic friend. He showed us a flywheel and where a "ring gear" is usually pressed in place. It was suggested that the ring gear has loosened to where it is probabbly expanding & contracting with heat & cooling, but may also be affected by vibration, hence intermittent starting or just "spinning".

My friend's mechanic suggested that it be welded, as it will only require removing the starter. He sounds very confident and knowledgable. I know the flywheel is a balanced item, and he indicated that it must be done right or it will be noisy and perhaps vibrate like an old washing machine.

I came home and Googled this remedy. Looked at several mixed opinions. What do you think?

Should I offer the job to this guy? It seems as right as changing the starter without cause?

Your kind thoughts please?


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Mar 28, 2013, 8:17 AM

Post #11 of 11 (4064 views)
Re: HELP! 99 GMC Sonoma starting problem...... Sign In

No, replace the flywheel. I don't under stand how a broken flywheel can be intermittent anyway unless it's ground off teeth.



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