starter, alternator, or solenoid?

Ok. I just had my starter tested, and it passed. Alternator, passed. Battery, Passed. Everything passes. but in the mornings I cant start my car for crap. The starter starts all clickety and whatever.

So I just pulled the starter, and the solenoid posts are busted inside, I can pull and push them around. Trevor and Mark said to replace the solenoid anyway, but I can only buy the full assembly at autozone. I barely have enough for the starter, so im going to replace it anyway, but if its the alternator then im screwed, UNLESS I can use a Samurai one.

Is the click from the starter. With the starter removed shake it does the starter drive seem lose..? The machine at auto parts stores have does not put a load on the starter gear like it would when it hits the flywheel.

You know what? Come to think of it. He didnt even test the shaft to see if it stuck out. The gears on the starter are shiny on both sides of the teeth. but ill go shake it RIGHT now... Gimme a second.........



Nope. No play in it. I think its the solenoid personally. But I dont want to buy the whole starter assembly, and then install it and everything and then it be the alternator..... I wonder if I can buy a used or refurb one thats a spare off a member and be able to get both....



OR ! I only have $80, can I rebuild the starter and alternator (and replace the solenoid)??

Before you replace the starter, have you checked every cable? Ground at the engine, ground at the battery and positive cable. And I don't mean just wiggle them, I mean take them off and clean them up and re-attach them.

Before you spend money where was the click coming from..? Just the starter or the relay? If the solenoid was bad it would have not kicked out the pinion drive out. The alternator should be fine if it tested good..Use your multimeter and test the volts at the battery with the engine running you should get between 13.20-14.00v.

Chris, here's a Yellow Pages link to all the automotive electrical repair places in Phoenix. Take your alternator and your starter to one of them, and get them to test them. They can probably even put your starter under load, which will be a better test. They can also quote you a price for rebuilding it. Worth a shot. Maybe you can get away with less than $80.

Link to Automotive Electrical Service in Phoenix

Sounds like you've got the perfect place to go since you already know the family! :D

If he can't have it rebuilt by Friday, it looks like a rebuilt starter at Autozone is only about $80.

removing the solenoid from the starter takes a special magic as far as i have seen. Tried it a couple times when a helper used the wrong brass nut and screwed up the threads on the main stud.

I did it no problem Mac. I unscrewed it, unbolted it, and the solenoid slipped off the copper shaft inside, so i put it back. Pulled it off a second time, and the copper thing and the spring shaft and stuff came out too.

Ok, I read that the Alternator can be matched to a 1980 Ford Fiesta, and that alternator is only $22.99, but to rebuild the alternator I have is $56.

BUT! The starter is being looked at to see how much it would be to rebuild. If its more than $60 ill just buy a new one so I can have a warranty. This crap is rediculous. I need this car running perfectly by friday.

I just had a starter repaired at a shop that rebuilds starters and alternators. Cost was 55$ and they even replaced the solenoid. Check out the yellow pages and make a few phone calls for estimates.