97 awd starter / electrical problems?

[dsm94]

Ok so recently My car when i go to start it makes a weird buzzing noise sounds like maybe the starter. Then I was at work yesterday and went to start it up from a cold start and it blew the starter relay as soon as i go to start it. I went to autozone and replaced the 30amp relay and put the key into the on position (not start) and it blew the fuse again?! So I took off the power cord to the starter, replaced the 30amp relay and no problems..Then I left the battery unplugged for about 20mins, to reset everything, and then decided to hook starter, battery and everything back up. Bam the car started right up. Now Im having that same wierd buzzing noise when I go to start the car again and there seems to be a draw on the power as the lights dim when i get warmed up and down to idle. My boost gauge normally reads a solid -20 and its reading -18, idle normally is at 750 (stock) and now its 900. The car tries to go down idle but lights start to dim and it goes back up.

After reading that novel Any ideas where to start?
I already ordered a new starter and am going to replace that. but what the heck could be causing the power draw? and possible future electrical problems? I checked over everything no loose wires or shorts...Factory alarm system? I just dont know

 

[KFred 513]

Well someone may have a better idea than me on where to start looking but electrical problems are always a chase. A bad motor ground can cause starter issues since the starter grounds through the motor. I would start by making sure none of your grounding points are loose/broken. If your grounds look good, check for broken insulation/corrosion in the main power wire to your starter, and also the signal wire.

I haven't been around the DSM scene for long but usually the starter fuse will pop before a relay How long have you had the car? Is it possible a P.O. put a higher amp starter relay fuse in it to bandaid this problem?

Also, when you swap out the starter, take the old one into autoZone and have them test it. If it checks out you can keep it as a spare or just return the new one to save some cash.

It also seems like you have a vacuum leak somewhere which is causing a high idle and less vacuum at the boost gauge.

 

[dsm94]

Problem solved...found a loose power wire that runs to the timing belt side of the intake manifold..cut it loose. No problems since. Bought a new oem starter also.