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'93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

posted by  someone claiming to be Marcia on  Wed Dec 10 06:31 CST 2003 [RELATED]

I believe I have diagnosed my starting problem by reading the threaded messages on this site. For the past several months the car would start fine, and then maybe every 10th time if I shut the car down after driving 5 minutes and returned to start it again, nothing would happen. What I mean is that the lights would go on the dash, but not even a peep of noise when I turned the key. Now the car just makes a high pitched, almost scraping noise but won't turn over. I am considering replacing the starter myself. It will be my first attempt at real car repair. I have limited tools but would be willing to buy a few necessary for this job. I would purchase a rebuilt starter online as suggested on this forum. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks so much for your help. Marcia








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    '93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

    posted by  Rick850R on  Wed Dec 10 07:51 CST 2003
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS] [RELATED]

    Start by buying a tech manuel for the car and then read about the starter and how to remove and replace it. Make sure to disconnect the battery cable before you work on the starter. Make sure you have a spare car available for parts or tool runs if the need should arise.

    Make sure that you have yourself covered for safety purposes--meaning get yourself two decent jack stands, jack up the car and put them under the car, one on each side in the front, and then grab the car and shake it after you drop the jack so that the vehicle weight is on the jack stands. If the car doesn't move, then it is safe to get under the car. I always do this with mine. I don't trust a jack by itself. If the car drops from a failed jack and no jack stands while you are under it, kiss your butt bye bye.

    Some people may recommend car ramps. They work well too. I can't use them since my 850-R sits too low in front to use them.

    If this is truly your first time under a car be careful.

    Good luck.








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      '93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

      posted by  someone claiming to be Marcia on  Tue Dec 23 05:54 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      Hi Rick - I am thrilled to respond that I managed to replace the starter with almost no problems and it works!!

      I had the starter rebuilt locally in Seattle at Acme Auto Electric. They are an extremely reliable shop. I did not pick it up myself so I don't know the extent of the starter's problem although it did cost $195. I broke the plastic wire connection spot on the starter solenoid when I was trying to break the nut loose so I had to replace it. I finally got all the pieces back together on the car and didn't have much extra left over (tee hee hee).

      The problem I did have was that although the car would turn over, it would not start after I got the starter installed. I recharged the battery and still would not turn over. So I went over to Costco and bought a new battery and voila! It works. I was stoked!!!

      So my first mechanical challenge was a success. I appreciate your assistance in it! Happiest of holidays! ~Marcia








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      '93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

      posted by  someone claiming to be Marcia on  Wed Dec 10 12:08 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      Hi Rick - Thank you for all of your help and especially your safety suggestions. I must admit I would not have thought of all of those things.

      I'll certainly report back when the job is done! ~Marcia








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      '93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

      posted by  kahuna on  Wed Dec 10 08:51 CST 2003
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Wed Oct 24 12:30 CST 2007
      [RELATED]

      Not to stomp on Rick's comments, but you can (and will) access the starter from above so no need for jackstands.

      There are no special tools required to replace the starter--a socket set with an extension and universal joint worked for me. But you will have to take out (at the least) the fan assembly to reach the starter.

      There's nothing complicated, but if it's your first project, take your time to be (as Rick said) SAFE and concientious.

      The board is here to help you. Good luck!








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        '93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

        posted by  someone claiming to be Marcia on  Tue Dec 23 05:55 CST 2003 [RELATED]

        Hi Kahuna - I am thrilled to respond that I managed to replace the starter with almost no problems and it works!!

        I had the starter rebuilt locally in Seattle at Acme Auto Electric. They are an extremely reliable shop. I did not pick it up myself so I don't know the extent of the starter's problem although it did cost $195. I broke the plastic wire connection spot on the starter solenoid when I was trying to break the nut loose so I had to replace it. I finally got all the pieces back together on the car and didn't have much extra left over (tee hee hee).

        The problem I did have was that although the car would turn over, it would not start after I got the starter installed. I recharged the battery and still would not turn over. So I went over to Costco and bought a new battery and voila! It works. I was stoked!!!

        So my first mechanical challenge was a success. I appreciate your assistance in it! Happiest of holidays! ~Marcia








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        '93 850GLT - Starter Replacement by Novice 850 1993

        posted by  someone claiming to be Marcia on  Wed Dec 10 12:10 CST 2003 [RELATED]

        Hi K - Thank you for your suggestions. I have read Nathan's description of how to access the starter and I'll try it from the top first before borrowing some jacks and/or ramps from my neighbors. I'll report back after it's in, or when I'm done! Thanks again. ~Marcia







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