I have a couple of questions. I've been having an intermittent no-start problem that acts like starter of dead battery issues. Car will start fine and usually wait until I am out somewhere and crap out. I just get the "click" of the solinoid without the starter engaging. I can sit there and turn the key a few times and it may or may not start, or I can jump the car off.

My first question is would a dead spot in the starter suddenly heal itself long enough for the starter to engage?

Second question: Is it a dead or dying battery. Voltmeter on the dash shows low voltage with the key on but I'm not sure if that is supposed to be battery voltage or charging voltage. (by the way the volt meter drops into the red under load; headlights, blower, defroster, etc.)

Thanks for suggestions.

Sounds like failing brushes. Easy to check - the regulator/brush unit is held on the back of the alternator with two machine screws, Philips or Torx type.

To be safest, disconnect the negative cable from the battery first. Then remove the brush/regulator unit. If either brush is under 5mm long, replace both.

The entire unit is available at the dealer or on-line. If you have a modicum of soldering skills you can replace just the brushes. A pair from one of our on-line parts sellers is under $5. The whole unit is over $50.


Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

It surely shows the alternator to be suspect. The voltmeter on the dash should never be in the lower red under load.

Try to get a good hand held digital voltmeter and measure the battery with the car not running (should be 12.6 volts) and then measure battery car running (should be about 14.4 volts). And what the heck, measure the battery when the starter is turning, or when you want it to turn (battery voltage during starter operation should be about 10 volts or so).