2G Sometimes Starter will Not "Catch"

[Apeximprt2nr]

This has been happening for a while. Nothing serious, just figured I'd see waht the problem is.

Sometimes when I go to start the car the starter will spin and but it won't "catch". It will just spin "Rannnnnnn". If I keep holding the key it will just continue spinning.

So I let go of the key and it will kind of make a "thud" sound. I go to turn the key again and bam fires right up.

This happens maybe once a week.

Any ideas?

Spec Stage 1 clutch and LW flywheel. Stock, original starter.

 

[deweese46]

Have you tried just replacing it?

 

[Anubis_4_99]

most common causes i have seen is bad teeth on the flywheel or starter.

could also be your solenoid.

 

[giammojoe]

Definitely the solenoid...the starter has a pull in winding and a hold-in winding for the starter. Sounds like your solenoid is definitely dying. Take it to AutoZone or Advance and get it checked for free.

 

[DOHCTA]

I would agree with just changing the starter. Let us know how that goes!

 

[Palmetto_TSi]

I had a mustang several years ago that did this sometimes. It was the front bearing on the starter gear shaft. The dust shield had come off the bearing and was sometimes getting cocked on the shaft. So, when the gear tried to engage, it couldn't reach the flywheel teeth.

 

[bryzenga]

Sounds like a bendix issue to me. The bendix is what kicks out the gear that catches the flywheel. I would waste no time replacing it, otherwise you might get left stranded out in a place that leaves you rather helpless.

 

[AlaskanDsm]

...Or just push start it... haha.

Lucky for manuals, we have that option .

 

[lastshark08]

Sounds like its spinning but not pushing the bendix towards the flywheel to make the connection. Just get a new starter.

 

[Apeximprt2nr]

Is the "bendix" a part in the starter? Also, what are your guys takes on a non OEM starter (e.g. Autozone or Rock Auto)?

 

[delta448]

Definitely the solenoid...the starter has a pull in winding and a hold-in winding for the starter. Sounds like your solenoid is definitely dying. Take it to AutoZone or Advance and get it checked for free.

This is the right answer.

You can replace just the solenoid, but if it's still the stocker I'd just grab a whole new unit.