Diagnose This Sound [Video]

[itsmattgw]

97GST stock.

For the past couple of days when I turn my key to start up it would have trouble. I would hear it crank slowly and eventually it would fire up. Sometimes I'd have to let it crank a few times, wait, then turn the key to have it turn on. Once it was on it would drive fine.

Now when I turn the key I get nothing except for a click noise. It's not a rapid click (see video). All my power comes on (mp3 player, lights etc). I hold the camera up to the location where the sound seems to be coming from.

To play this video you need QUICKTIME player. Sorry, I recorded it on my phone and then I tried to convert it but it kept messing up the sound.

It should just play in your browser without having to download anything; If it doesn't play for you here's a link to quicktime: Apple - QuickTime - Download

Link to video: Eclipse Sound Video

 

[khartley]

I couldn't open the video. But if its just one click as you are trying to start it, and all your accessories still have power, then your starter is bad or not getting power. Try hitting the starter and seeing if that helps it. Check your positive cable for corrosion.

 

[itsmattgw]

I couldn't open the video. But if its just one click as you are trying to start it, and all your accessories still have power, then your starter is bad or not getting power. Try hitting the starter and seeing if that helps it. Check your positive cable for corrosion.

Isn't the starter in a location to where I can't hit it? It looks like it's way under the car and behind the engine. I followed the positive battery cable and that's where it's leading to. Am I looking at the right thing?

I'm using the manual here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/6721606/9799-mitsubishi-eclipse-Electrical-manual

 

[ramsack]

The rapid click is most likely the ISC centering itself when you put the key to ON. Seeing as how you still have power after you try to start it I doubt any connections are corroded or loose. When that happens it tends to cut all power because the arc breaks the connection until it is disturbed by force. Probably just the starter. Does the radio and other accessories shut off when you try to start it?

 

[itsmattgw]

The rapid click is most likely the ISC centering itself when you put the key to ON. Seeing as how you still have power after you try to start it I doubt any connections are corroded or loose. When that happens it tends to cut all power because the arc breaks the connection until it is disturbed by force. Probably just the starter. Does the radio and other accessories shut off when you try to start it?

yeah, that stuff shuts off when I turn the key.

I think it's the starter too..I know there's a chance I could knock it with a wrench or hammer - how do i get to it without taking the bettery out to give it a good whack??

 

[ramsack]

We used to use a broom stick to jam the starter on other cars. If you can't reach it then you can't reach it. The 2g engine bay is crammed.

 

[itsmattgw]

I tired using a broom stick but the bristles are getting caught on the hoses.

 

[thomcasey]

I tired using a broom stick but the bristles are getting caught on the hoses.

Use the end without the bristles.

 

[ramsack]

You use anything rod-like. You don't use the sweeping end but the end you hold. You gotta whack the starter pretty good. This is for a jammed solenoid.

 

[AllShallPerish]

i tired using a broom stick but the bristles are getting caught on the hoses.

That is epic...

 

[itsmattgw]

So I have it at the shop and they said that labor to replace the starter would be 430 bucks because they have to remove the turbo. Is that true? The manual I'm looking at doesn't show it's necessary.

by the way I was joking about the bristles.

 

[ramsack]

One should only have to remove the battery to get at the starter, and worst case also the battery tray.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

So I have it at the shop and they said that labor to replace the starter would be 430 bucks because they have to remove the turbo. Is that true? The manual I'm looking at doesn't show it's necessary

Hell no it isn't necessary. Get your car far, far away from there as fast as you can.

 

[ramsack]

I would charge someone $20 labor to replace the starter.

 

[gsx4g64]

How you doing? You have one of two problems. The starter solenoid causing you problems. You will me able to change that on your own. You should be able to change the starter by yourself as well. The last problem is your battery. you mentioned that all the other electronics are working. they would continue to work until there isnt enough power to run them any longer. make sure all of the cables are tight on the right posts. make sure taht your battery is good. it could have a dying or dead cell. the dying battery will 100% cause the problems that you are describing.

 

[itsmattgw]

Prime example of why it's good to learn how to fix your own car. I looked and I saw no way of getting to it but when this many people are saying how simple it is to replace it I know it was just my lack of knowledge. I called up to the shop and he said they already had the part out so it's too late, I'm going to be charged 400+ after parts and labor. (2.5 hours labor). I told him that he should just have to remove the battery and reach behind but he said that there are "turbo parts" that they have to work around like cables etc and then said some gibberish about it being an automatic (my car is an automatic). At that point I dropped it because they would already charge me for the labor so me discussing it would lead to nothing good.

If I knew someone in Austin who lived and breathed these cars I would love to pay them to work on it so I can trust the work and not get robbed.

 

[gsx4g64]

Prime example of why it's good to learn how to fix your own car. I looked and I saw no way of getting to it but when this many people are saying how simple it is to replace it I know it was just my lack of knowledge. I called up to the shop and he said they already had the part out so it's too late, I'm going to be charged 400+ after parts and labor. (2.5 hours labor). I told him that he should just have to remove the battery and reach behind but he said that there are "turbo parts" that they have to work around like cables etc and then said some gibberish about it being an automatic (my car is an automatic). At that point I dropped it because they would already charge me for the labor so me discussing it would lead to nothing good.

If I knew someone in Austin who lived and breathed these cars I would love to pay them to work on it so I can trust the work and not get robbed.

Tell him to stop. Charge you for taking it out. Then you do the rest.

 

[itsmattgw]

Tell him to stop. Charge you for taking it out. Then you do the rest.

Good idea, I wonder if this would also work on hookers.

 

[gsx4g64]

Good idea, I wonder if this would also work on hookers.

I have a couple of hookers working right now. Your wish is their command. Including, stop. Time is money.

And just so you know young whipper snapper. You dont pay a hooker for her services, you pay her to leave. Unless you are married, then you pay her to keep her mouth shut, and leave.

 

[cody4g63]

I had almost the same problem and it was my starter