potencial starter problem?

[naes]

I have no time to search up my answers for this question. I need some answers asap!

Before I tell my story, I drive a 99 q45 w/ about 133,xxx miles.

Anyway this afternoon when I went to start up the car, it made no starting noise, no cranking, nothing. All the electrical stuff were working perfectly fine though (Windows, radio, etc.) so it couldn't have been my battery. I tried 3 more times & still no turn over, no noise, nothing. So I turned th the car off & let it sit for a couple minutes then tried it again. Finally it turned over! The car drives fine & the battery don't seem weak. I called my local infiniti dealer to quote a new starter, & ouch $462!!! So could this be my starter already starting to go?

[elwesso]

It could be a starter, I believe on the Y33 there is no starter relay like on the G50s, the start signal goes right to the solenoid.

[naes]

So it could also be the solenoid then? My car starts up fine...for now. Like i said earlier, when i tried starting it the first couple times, it wouldn't turn over, no cranking, make any noise, what so ever. I let it sit for a couple minutes, then out of no where, it just starts up like nothing's wrong! It even seems as if there is no problem anymore, but im scared that this might happen again in the near future So i want to pin point my problem asap so i can replace/fix it! Thanks for replying back elwesso!

[elwesso]

Well it COULD be the solenoid but you can't replace them separately.. I'm not sure how hard it is to replace a starter on a Y33, but my guess its probably not too easy.

The only way you can really tell if its the starter is to check the voltage at the starter when you crank. If you get no voltage, then its something else like an ignition switch. IF you get voltage, then its the starter. Check between positive terminal of starter and body ground.

[Skibane]

Might not hurt to have the battery and charging system load-tested. Auto Zone, Pep Boys and some other parts stores will do it for free.

About 6 months before my alternator died completely, I was having exactly the same problem you're describing - and like you, I also suspected the starter. In reality, the alternator was gradually failing, and wasn't doing an adequate job of keeping the battery charged.

After replacing the alternator and battery, it was no longer an issue.

[naes]

Well it COULD be the solenoid but you can't replace them separately.. I'm not sure how hard it is to replace a starter on a Y33, but my guess its probably not too easy.

The only way you can really tell if its the starter is to check the voltage at the starter when you crank. If you get no voltage, then its something else like an ignition switch. IF you get voltage, then its the starter. Check between positive terminal of starter and body ground.

Oh right, the solenoid is connected on the starter too huh? I'd love to do this job myself, or any fixing for my car myself, but i don't have the adequate amount of knowledge & skill to do so Would my local mechanic be able to test it for me? He should be able to right? I think i'll just bring the car down just to go get it tested to make sure.

Might not hurt to have the battery and charging system load-tested. Auto Zone, Pep Boys and some other parts stores will do it for free.

About 6 months before my alternator died completely, I was having exactly the same problem you're describing - and like you, I also suspected the starter. In reality, the alternator was gradually failing, and wasn't doing an adequate job of keeping the battery charged.

After replacing the alternator and battery, it was no longer an issue.

You think my local sams club could do the job or may o'reilly auto? So your alternator was failing even while it seemed your electricals (radio, windows, etc.) was working properly, no slow rolling windows or dimming lights?

If the battery on my car now, dies, i have a brand new spare one i could use temporarily if that does happen.

[maxnix]

Beware of 3rd party alternators. Heath just got a "genuine" Hitachi with crappy Chinese internals.

[naes]

Beware of 3rd party alternators. Heath just got a genuine Hitachi with crappy Chinese internals.

Hey thank for the heads up! I usually go with OEM parts anyway.

[JeffTepper]

I had similar problems with my '94. The wise ones on this forum correctly disgnosed it as worn brushes on the starter motor. Taking the starter out was a PITA as one bolt is nearly inaccessable. at any rate, I finally called my son ( who works on Lexus' for a living) and he tried a BFH and got the troublesome bolt to turn. Once out, I took the starter to my local starter/generator/alternator shop and it was rebuilt in a couple of hours for around $70 if I recall correctly. You decide if your time is worth $390 + or -. Good luck

[naes]

I had similar problems with my '94. The wise ones on this forum correctly disgnosed it as worn brushes on the starter motor. Taking the starter out was a PITA as one bolt is nearly inaccessable. at any rate, I finally called my son ( who works on Lexus' for a living) and he tried a BFH and got the troublesome bolt to turn. Once out, I took the starter to my local starter/generator/alternator shop and it was rebuilt in a couple of hours for around $70 if I recall correctly. You decide if your time is worth $390 + or -. Good luck

damn man, i hate PITA bolts! lol. I'll keep this in mind (the starter brushes) though. thanks for this tip!




anyways, i had my car's alternator & battery tested today. It seems that the alternator is doing its job & my battery seems to be working well also. although i have to clean up the terminals due to corrosion. maybe that could be why im having the starting problem? the battery that's currently on my car looks kind of old though & it doesn't say when the battery was purchased on the batter. i have a brand new battery that im gonna swap out later on.

[elwesso]

The rebuilt starter option isn't a bad idea, just depends if you wanna take the risk of it possibly going out sooner than an OEM one. You have to assume the OEM starter got you 12 years of service and who knows what a rebuilt one. For that kind of savings though ($100 vs $400) you could do the starter 2-3 times and still not be at the price for the OEM starter alone.

[Unnatural1]

Just an aside, the dealer's starters and alternators are remanufacturered as well typically. Now, they are better quality reman units then what you will find at the typical part store.

[naes]

The rebuilt starter option isn't a bad idea, just depends if you wanna take the risk of it possibly going out sooner than an OEM one. You have to assume the OEM starter got you 12 years of service and who knows what a rebuilt one. For that kind of savings though ($100 vs $400) you could do the starter 2-3 times and still not be at the price for the OEM starter alone.

The only thing that would be a PITA though would be having to take the starter out every time i need to get it rebuilt. It doesn't sound half bad though. Sounds like a good idea. I don't have the time though to pull out the starter and leave the car like that over a day. My q is my daily and i work almost everyday. I need a quick fix. So looks like my only option is to just pick up a brand new starter & then that way i'll have 2 starters. The old one i can get it rebuilt so when the other one needs replacing, i can just switch it out right there, then rebuild that one. idk just an idea.