Laboring Sound on Start

[CINNALOCKS]

I had my oil changed recently and the shop had changed hands. I did not catch it until the damage was done. They took off the MAF and went through the top. At first the problem was the car kept cutting off, the vacum hoses were not all attached.

That problem solved the starting became labored. The kind of sound I always associated with older cars but never knew what caused it. It starts but seems to be on the verge of not starting before it kicks, where as before you turned the key and it clicked on, now it takes a second or to then ignites.

I checked all the hoses and have no idea what the issue is. Any suggestion or advise.I have replaced a lot of things on my Q but I have not replaced the starter. I did the injectors and O2 sensors within the last year.

[maxnix]

Did you inspect the MAF connection very carefully?

[CINNALOCKS]

for?

Did you inspect the MAF connection very carefully?

I did check it not sure what you mean by "carefully".........what is it that I am looking for O wise one? I do not have a clue.

[goody90q45]

Did you inspect the MAF connection very carefully?

It sounds like you've cleaned the MAF and it's pins but you should also take a look at the connector to make sure it's pins are corrosion free and fitting tightly on the MAF. If all the female pins in the connector look like the one on the left it will fit very loosely and needs to be tightened up (being done to the pin on the right with a pick or small nail) to look like the pin in the middle. If the problem is only a loose connection this will cure it. Give it a try and see if this helps.

[CINNALOCKS]

Thank you that is what I was looking for............something I can do myself to possibly solve the issue. I will look further tomorrow and give you some feed back.

[CINNALOCKS]

And a picture too for my not so mechanically inclined ***...........you da man!!!!

[CINNALOCKS]

Did you inspect the MAF connection very carefully?

Yes now I have, after seeing the illustration provided by Mike (thanks again)the female connectors were straight so I made the changes as suggested with a nail and viola, the connectors fit much better but still the same issue.

The engine turns over 3-7 times before it ignites, the battery is strong. From what I have heard the starters stand up forever. So much so that the suggestion to me has been to replace the starter with a used one rather than bear the expense of a new one.

I have never had to replace a starter on any vehicle so I am unaware if this is a sound or a situation that would suggest a starter replace. I know it does not appear to be getting better.

Any feed back is appreciated.

[elwesso]

Just so everyone knows, when I looked at the car it sounded like the starter is wheezing or something. It definitely is coming from the starter, I think.

[bullittandy]

How old is the battery?

Even if it was strong then one drain will really limit it if its old. I just replaced my neighbor's Lexus Rx300 battery after she left the door open unloading some stuff and the car wouldn't start after that. This was the orginal battery (5-6 years old) and never had any symptoms before this.

If those guys did the damage they did then it wouldn't be crazy to think that they may have left the door ajar, lights on etc etc. Besides, a battery is easy and cheap (compared to a starter) to replace and is a wear item.

[CINNALOCKS]

The battery is about 18 months old. I sounds strong. Never have had a drain on this one. But hey I will check the battery and see what is up.

[superuber]

Do the starter and be done with it.

[CINNALOCKS]

I went out this am, on the advise of a forum member and disconnected the battery, checked all the connections, wires and cable fittings.

Hooked it back up and no more labored starting. I know on a car that is14 yrs old I will have to redo the starter but right after Christmas?

Thanks for all the input.

[bullittandy]

So its fixed? I can't tell from your post.

If it is fixed then it was a loose connection? Isn't that nice?

Is the seat memory fixed as well?

[Jesda]

Dirty terminals?

[CINNALOCKS]

It was either dirty terminals or bad connection. And it did work.

Not enough time has passed to tell if the connection was also the issue for the seat and steering controls. If they blink out again I will do a diagnostic test to see exactly what it could be.

As long as they do not blink out I will leave it alone.

[CINNALOCKS]

I guess I spoke too soon. It looks like I will be doing the starter.

Any input, where I should go to get a reman starter or is it advisable to buy a new one?

I recall a post on a purchase of a reman starter and he had problems with the install..... it was larger than the oem. I cannot find it now.

I have read someone instruct a member to an auto parts store for a starter.

I am confused, I am finding pricing on a reman starter ranging from 113 for a PPR to 188 for an AC DELCO. I am not driving it, since I do want to be stranded in the Indiana winter.


Modified by CINNALOCKS at 1:18 PM 12/31/2007

[CINNALOCKS]

Today I went out to start the Q and nothing. A couple of clicks and then nada. I had it towed to the shop to have them look it over. The shop is closed til Wednesday so it will be a minute til I can see for sure what they think it is.

Now more than before I need some feed back on my last post.......

[elwesso]

Shoulda called me Hussain. I would have come down and brought a spare starter relay. Unfortunately I dont have a spare starter.

[CINNALOCKS]

First of all Happy New Year to all...............................Wes it just went at 5:40 on New Years Eve. I would not dare call anyone except a tow truck. Thanks though I am glad to know you would have come to assist me.

I am confused, I am finding pricing on a reman starter ranging from $113 for a PPR to $188 for an AC DELCO. Joe wants $270 with a 40 core return what is the difference? I have read some are not an exact fit, but that is cosmetic and can be ironed out.

[bullittandy]

Today I went out to start the Q and nothing. A couple of clicks and then nada. I had it towed to the shop to have them look it over. The shop is closed til Wednesday so it will be a minute til I can see for sure what they think it is.

Now more than before I need some feed back on my last post.......

This really sounds like a bad battery. I think the shop you had it at ran the battery down and then recharged it before return which killed it. But the shop will tell you today...

[elwesso]

honestly I'd feel better about a used OEM starter than a reman one... Just my opinion... I wouldnt buy a starter from AC DELCO.

Hit up a forum member for a used starter....

[CINNALOCKS]

This really sounds like a bad battery. I think the shop you had it at ran the battery down and then recharged it before return which killed it. But the shop will tell you today...

That is not the issue. The lights ran bright while we hooked it up to the flat bed and then took it off the flat bed. I have plenty of juice and I was sitting there when they did the oil change I was in and out in twenty min tops. That is not enough time to run down and recharge the battery.

It was 4 degrees here yesterday, windchill of 15 below and the shop was not open on New Years. When I got there at 7am on Wednesday I was not the first in line. I am waiting to hear from them sometime today. This is not the same place that did the original oil change nor will I be going back to them.

[elwesso]

before having them replace the starter have them check the starter relay and jump it so they can see if it cranks... If thats it, I have a starter relay for you.

[CINNALOCKS]

I will be in touch Wes as soon as they get with me, thanks

[CINNALOCKS]

Got one in from Matt in Ohio, (shout out) on Wednesday had it installed on Thursday. I must say that the used one from Matt is stronger than the one it replaced had ever sounded. There is a dramatic and robustful difference.

I had nothing to compare it with, not knowing but one other Q owner in Indiana. I appreciate you Wes. I am on the road again

[Q451990]

That's good to hear! I noticed that the do slow down a bit with age. I could hear a little difference between Q1 at 200K and Q2 at 47K when I had them side by side.

Heath

[Q45tech]

Educated knoledgable technicans or electical engineers/techs use a dc amplified current probe to VIEW the current waveforms from the battery to the starter. Looking for abnormalities.

90% of mechanics in US are uneducated on modern technology hacks! It is not totally their fault............just as with many of us going back to college/school every 5 years is not in the cards. So they get more obsolete every year they work.

But not having a few extrra thousand in test equipment is !!!!!!!!!

ead the following for a explaination of how easy it is!http://www.picotech.com/auto/a....html

[Jesda]

New starters from AC Delco are fine, but I agree that used OEM would be better. Don't get a reman.