Will not turn over!

[TJ Fast]

I have an intermittent problem that is driving me crazy. Every two to three months my car will not turn over. If I let it set for a day or two then it will turn over and start just fine. All of the other electrical stuff is working, the starter just won't turn. The battery is good and I replaced the AS-M (yellow) relay under the dash thinking that would be an easy fix, no such luck. Has anyone had this problem and know the fix?
Thanks for your help!!!!!!

 

[epj3]

Does it click when you turn the key and it doesnt start?

Sounds like a solenoid.

Next time it happens, hit the starter with a broom handle, and try again, it might work.

 

[TJ Fast]

No there is no sound! No click

 

[bmwperson]

Check if the alternator gets power.

--
Tom

 

[mjbst111]

put a volt meter up to the battery next time you get it started. If you get 14 volts then your alternater should be fine. Otherwise, 12 volts should show up from your battery.

Even if the seleniod was bad you would still hear the starter turn... sounds like a wirrr. It just wouldn't engage.

It is probably your starter. You could confirm this with the battery test along with checking the voltage of the small wire at the starter. Should be zero until the key is turned then probably 12 volts while the key is turned. The thick wire should always be 12 volts. If this holds true i'd replace the starter.

Actually i'd just replace the starter and see if it works..... If not i'd take it back... wouldn't want to risk the guy turning the key having it in gear while i was checking voltage.

 

[mjbst111]

also tom, check if the alternator get power??? or gives power. I'm not sure what you are suggesting.

 

[Kirby]

Does it click when you turn the key and it doesnt start?

Sounds like a solenoid.

Next time it happens, hit the starter with a broom handle, and try again, it might work.

Yup - with no click, that's the the most likely culprit. Look for the solenoid where the heavy battery cable attaches to the starter. Most solenoids in the past 20 years are integral to the starter. If the broom handle doesn't work, try a rubber mallet, but don't use a regular hammer. That could do damage.

Usually it's best to replace the whole starter, even if you can buy just the solenoid.

 

[bmwperson]

By check power I ment if the alternator is getting power... do the lights go dim when you turn the key over?

--
Tom

 

[mjbst111]

alternators create power....

 

[frolf]

6 shot coils?

 

[epj3]

alternators create power....

Yes but I believe an alternator also DRAWS power from the battery, in which it switches the alternating current --- AC... to Direct Current... DC. I believe the rectifier does this?

 

[mjbst111]

yes the alternator does need voltage from the battery in order to make power but a car can run with out an alternator for a decent amount of time too if you started out with a good battery, as he is doing. Thats why i was asking what he was suggesting. An alternator would have nothing to do with it not turning over.

The rectifier only tells the alternator how much power to make by increasing or decreasing how much power it gives the alternator, the diodes convert the AC to DC.

 

[Kirby]

You both have the right idea, but the term "rectifier" is slightly off. The (voltage) *regulator* (not rectifier) controls the amount of power in the circuit. The diodes do convert AC to DC. Diodes are also known as diode *rectifiers* because the rectify AC to DC.

 

[mjbst111]

your right.... thanks man

 

[epj3]

You both have the right idea, but the term "rectifier" is slightly off. The (voltage) *regulator* (not rectifier) controls the amount of power in the circuit. The diodes do convert AC to DC. Diodes are also known as diode *rectifiers* because the rectify AC to DC.

Lol thankyou