problem starting car on occasions

[hotmilk400]

i am having problems starting my car on occasions. i have been having the problem for awhile, but today it started up again, and upset me.

i am not to experienced with cars, so dumb it down for me. haha (if i was, i wouldnt be asking what was wrong) anyway, once in awhile, when i turn my key, my motor wont start. it sounds like the motor is turning over at first, but then changes into what sounds like the motor freezing and makes a higher pitched "tizzzzz" sound like something that should be moving isnt moving. my battery is fine btw, its brand new. anyway, it only does it once in awhile. normally if it does do it, i turn off the key, and try again, and it might or might not do it again. when the motor finally does start it, it does struggle at first after. most of the time it starts without a problem. i am starting to think it could be related to the clutch, is that a possiblity? sometimes if i release the clutch and try again, it works. it might also be a fuel pump? i dunno. that is what i always thought, but sometimes when it does it , i might give it gas before i start it again, and it doesnt help at all. its hard to tell people what it is, because when i want people to figure it out, i can never get my car to do it.

if it wasnt for the long start-up time after it does it, i wouldnt care, but i am scared of stalling on the road, and getting hit because i cant start the car or something.. it hasnt happened, but i dont want to find out later that i shoudl have fixed the problem.

any chance anyone knows what it is, or might know what it is.

[aceyx]

Sounds like a bad solenoid on your starter.

The solenoid allows the bendix gear to actually turn the crank, transferring power from the electric starter motor to the engine in your car. If the solenoid is bad, the gear will spin without contacting the crank making a whirring noise.


Usually you can tap the solenoid with a hammer (I think with the M42/44 you'll have to use some type of bar as an extension) and it will work again for a few days. IIRC you can just replace the solenoid.

[hotmilk400]

thanks, that sounds like the problem. i will look into getting a new one, since i dont care much for hitting things .. haha

[aceyx]

Well, it's a good idea for troubleshooting purposes. If it works, then it's that part. If not, you need to look elsewhere.

I've heard replacing the starter is a costly and trying process, can't imagine the solenoid is any different since it piggybacks the starter.