Starter went out, now problems

[NeMiZiS]

Ok, so this weekend my starter went out.
Not a big deal (it was getting slower and slower anyways).
I went and got a new starter put it in and now when I turn the key I get nothing at all.
All you can hear is a fuse or relay ticking once when I turn the key.
I took the starter back out and had it tested, it tested good.
So I'm stranded and trying to figure out why it won't start.
I found a piece of wire and thought I'd leave the key "ON" and try to jump the starter directly to the battery.
It was turning over but it wouldn't start.
Then while I had some one try and start it, I checked for spark.
As soon as I pulled the plug wire out it started! Which didn't make any sense to me.
I drive her home turn her off and she starts up fine about 5 times in a row.
A couple of hours later I go out to the garage and turn the key nothing again!
So I've just been turning the key "ON" and jumping the starter straight to the battery to start it.

The only thing that I can think of is I didn't disconnect the battery, when I installed the new starter and it did throw some sparks when I put it in.
(which I know is never a good thing)
So I'm thinking the ECU or maybe a relay??
I do have a check engine light, but it has been on for a long time prior to all this.
Another thing the starter that went bad was exactly a year old the day it went out.
(I know crazy it would go out on the same day exactly a year later, but it did)

 

[brassc2007]

check your fuses and make sure that you have one big wire from the battery to the starter and there should be 2 small wires to the small terminal on the starter sounds like they are loose

 

[NeMiZiS]

All the fuses are good, but you think it might just be a loose connection?
Do you mean the small plug that connects to the starter?

 

[RoninEclipse2G]

Loose or corroded connection, bad cables from the battery to the starter, etc. If you're getting a click then the signal from the ignition switch is trying to work the starter but the starter isn't rotating.

With the issues you're having I'd bet the cables have gone bad and now you're having issues getting enough power from the battery to the starter. I'd also bet that you really didn't need to replace the starter in the first place.

If you've got access to a multimeter check the voltage right at the battery, then at the cables right as they come off the battery, then at the starter. There shouldn't be more than .1v difference between the battery and the top of the cables, and there shouldn't be more than .5v difference between the battery and the starter. You can also OHM out the cables. It should register as a straight connection .01-.02 ohms tops

If you don't have a multimeter then visually check the cables. Cut open the insulation a few inches and see what the wire inside looks like. It should be bright copper within the first inch that you expose. If it's any other colors you should probably replace the cable.

 

[NeMiZiS]

I'm sure that the old starter was bad, because it was under warranty and they tested it before they gave me a new one.
When I get home from work I'll check out all the connections with my volt meter and see if I'm loosing any voltage.
I was also thinking that it wouldn't hurt to get some contact cleaner and clean up the connections while I'm at it.

 

[RoninEclipse2G]

If it definitely tested bad then I'll trust that, but you've definitely got signs of power not getting from the battery to the starter.

 

[nosdsm3]

I had the same problem once. All I did was use a wire wheel and cleaned all the contacts well especially the ground. Fires right up haven't had a problem yet.

 

[NeMiZiS]

Ok, a little update I checked out everything with a meter.
My battery only read 10 volts, changed the battery and it started right up.
I just over looked the most obvious.

 

[907gs-t]

Glad you solved the problem that's awesome to see another DSM on the road up here.

 

[OblivioAssebit]

Throw a little baking soda mixed with water on your terminals, you'll never have corrosion again and its cheaper than the spray stuff... I had that problem and it kept pissing me off.

 

[RoninEclipse2G]

Throw a little baking soda mixed with water on your terminals, you'll never have corrosion again and its cheaper than the spray stuff... I had that problem and it kept pissing me off.

Sorry, but DO NOT DO THIS the baking soda can get in the vents of the batttery and kill a cell in the battery.

If you must clean the terminals with baking soda, mix up a PASTE of baking soda with as little water as possible and use an old toothbrush to apply it and scrub the terminals with. Do not rinse, use paper towels or old rags that can be thrown away to wipe off the paste.

 

[OblivioAssebit]

Sorry, but DO NOT DO THIS the baking soda can get in the vents of the batttery and kill a cell in the battery.

If you must clean the terminals with baking soda, mix up a PASTE of baking soda with as little water as possible and use an old toothbrush to apply it and scrub the terminals with. Do not rinse, use paper towels or old rags that can be thrown away to wipe off the paste.

Good to know, sorry for the false information. I may have worded that wrong too. I didnt mean for him to pour in on, just a little to keep them clean.