Don't start with me!!!, Starter won't turn... Options

[Carlitos Way]

Hello everyone,

Just trying to figure this out. Starter seems to work fine if the car is warm, but when it's cold (i.e. over night, or after a few hours of rest), the starter won't crank the engine. Not even a "click." Thank god for light cars and push-starts.

I'm suspecting a starter. Any other thoughts or ideas? Also, how difficult is it to replace the starter?

Thanks,

Carlos

[Rand]

If you put power to the solenoid and it engages the starter and cranks, then solenoid is good.

If you can run a wire from solenoid to battery and it'll crank, then the problem is most likely the ignition switch (it's common for them to crack). Also check the connections in the solenoid wire circuit - particularly under the seat where the seatbelt switch/relay is. I made a set of long leads with alligator clips so I can connect to each end of a circuit and get them to my multimeter for a quick and easy continuity check.