JustAnswer > Car
Ask A Question|Register|Login|Help
JustAnswer

Car

Ask a Car Question, Get an Answer ASAP!

Have your own Car question?

25 Auto Mechanics are Online Now
characters left:
Not a Car Question?
Bookmark and Share

Question

I have a 2006 Saturn Ion that has a problem starting, 2 times in the mornings in the past 10 days the starter won't engage. All the lights come on and nothing else happens. I tried shifting to neutueral and back to park and turning steering wheel but nothing worked. When I got home from work it started with no problem.

Submitted: 413 days and 5 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $9
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
+
Read More

Optional Information

2006 Saturn ION

Already Tried:
Don't know what to check because the car works fine when I try it after work.

Posted by Bob 413 days and 4 hours ago.

Answer

If you are sure the battery is good and fully charged and the cable connections are all good. You will need to check for voltage at the small purple wire on the starter solenoid while some one engages the starter. If you have good voltage at the purple wire and at the large battery terminal both, you will need to replace the starter. If you do not have voltage at the purple wire let me know so we can test the starting system and find where the problem is. But be sure to check to see if you have any theft or security lights are coming on, on the dash first. It may be an issue with the security system also. Thanks, Bob

412 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

I have checked battery and conections already. The car is working now. Should I wait till I have the problem again to check voltage to starter? I have not had anymore problem with the car since last friday morning. If this happens again and I have no voltage to the purple wire and starter will I be able to notify you for a next step in trouble shooting this problem. Ray

Accepted Answer

Hello Ray. Thanks for the reply. The problem is that if you test the system when the car is working, everything is going to test fine at that time. You need to catch it when it is acting up to get an accurate idea of where the problem is. I would recommended buying a 5 dollar 12 volt test light from any parts store and putting it in the glove box so you have it ready the next time the car acts up. Then all you need to do is connect the alligator clip to a ground and probe the purple wire to see if the test light comes on or not when the key is turned to start. If it does and you have power at the large terminal on the starter at the same time, then the starter is defective. If you don't have power to the purple wire, just drop me a note and we will go from there. If for some reason this question gets closed and you need me again, just post a new question and put my name in the subject line and the system will notify me and I will respond as soon as I see it. Thanks

Picture
Expert: Bob
Pos. Feedback: 99.3 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/6/2008

Auto Service Technician

40 year GM Tech. +30 Certified. ASE Master Tech.(expired, retired) Medium Duty, Heavy Line, Retired

411 days and 20 hours ago.

Reply

Will I be charged again if I find that it is not the starter?

Posted by Bob 411 days and 15 hours ago.

Info Request

You only get charged when and if you click on the accept button on your screen. So far you have only placed a deposit for your question. When you click the accept is when I get paid. There is no additional charge for follow ups to your question. I will stick with you until you don't need me any more. The only way you would be required to pay more would be if we got off on a different problem with the car that was not related to the first question. Thanks

Posted by Bob 411 days and 14 hours ago.

Info Request

Thanks for the accept, much appreciated. If you need me later and this question has been closed or something, if you need to post a new one, put my name in the subject line so you don't end up paying someone else again later. As long as you don't close or delete the question it should still be there to use later. Thanks

411 days and 14 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you and when the problem comes back I will check with a tester which I already have. If I don't get voltage to starter I will get back to you. Thanks again Bob.

Posted by Bob 411 days and 9 hours ago.

Info Request

Most welcome, will wait to hear from you. Thanks

+
Read More

Related Car Questions

  • if I wanted to sell my car..
  • How do i remove front rotors on 2001 Montero Limited?
  • 1998 grand am se runs very rough and intermitten(looses and ...
  • i have a 2001 2.4 l dohc and have blow by getting from the ....
  • how does one replace headlight bulb in 2002 grand am?
  • Hi, I have a 1996 ford f150 4x4. i am trying to do the ...
  • The radio in my 1989 Volvo was working fine and now only ...
  • what type oil is the ight oil to put in a 2008 duramax ...



Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.
Question List | Become an Expert | Terms of Service | Security & Privacy | About Us
© 2003-2009 JustAnswer Corp.