Starter Issue
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Salem, VA
Starter Issue I have a 2001 WS6 with 81k miles. I noticed the other day a loud clanking noise coming from under the car. After I drove down the road a little bit it went away. The next morning I started the car and heard the loud noise again. I drove it down to the store and the noise was continuing, once I tried shutting the car off, the starter was still engaging and the car was trying to start without the key in the ignition. Anybody else have this problem? I know it can be a few different thing? Is it more likely the starter relay? Starter solenoid or the starter itself? Thanks for the help!
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Salem, VA
The engine is cranking and trying to start with the key out of the ignition. As soon as I put the key back in and turn it the car starts right back up. I just waited until the clanking noise stopped before taking the key out and it shut off with no issues
There are two power wires going to the solenoid on the starter. They are probably touching. This is bad...
First you'll want to disconnect your battery and then get under the car to take a look. One of the wires is hot all the time and goes directly to the battery. (This is why it's so important to unhook the battery - you don't want the starter engaging while you are under the car if the wires touch.)
The large hot wire should have a tab on the ring terminal that sits in a plastic notch that helps keep it in the right orientation. The other wire is connected to your starter circuit and is what engergizes the starter. It should be attached firmly and if the battery wire is in it's proper spot/orientation, the two should not be able to touch. (If they do, the solenoid and starter will activate, even if the ignition system is not active.)
Maybe the two are close together and they are only touching under certain circumstances?
First you'll want to disconnect your battery and then get under the car to take a look. One of the wires is hot all the time and goes directly to the battery. (This is why it's so important to unhook the battery - you don't want the starter engaging while you are under the car if the wires touch.)
The large hot wire should have a tab on the ring terminal that sits in a plastic notch that helps keep it in the right orientation. The other wire is connected to your starter circuit and is what engergizes the starter. It should be attached firmly and if the battery wire is in it's proper spot/orientation, the two should not be able to touch. (If they do, the solenoid and starter will activate, even if the ignition system is not active.)
Maybe the two are close together and they are only touching under certain circumstances?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Salem, VA
Ok this is the first thing I will check tomorrow morming when I'm off work. If that's not the issue I think I'll start by changing out the Starter Relay then work towards replacing the starter. Luckily starters are inexpensive and easy to replace on this car. Thanks for the info.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Salem, VA
Replaced the starter, I jacked up the car this morning and started it, tapped on the starter with a hammer and it disengaged so it was getting stuck. Put a new starter on and it works just fine now. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and the help.!
