Lights were dim it would not start

KROMZEK

MEMBER
1997 SATURN SL2
17,500 MILES

I have a 97 Saturn SL2, I recently had some starting issues. I would try to start my car and I noticed the lights were dim and it would not start, I would wait a few seconds and everything would appear normal again and it would start. I checked the battery but cant tell if its okay?

8 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

You mean starter does not engage/work? It sounds like the battery need replacing if no battery warning light was no before.

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Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 AT 12:24 AM

KROMZEK

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Right the starter does not engage right away, but wait a few seconds and everything works and it starts. The lights would no longer be dim and everything would work.

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Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 AT 12:37 AM

KROMZEK

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I was just wondering if there is anything else I should tell the mechanic before he installs the new starter?

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Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 AT 1:18 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Just to add to this one the lights usually dont dim when the starters fail. What happens usually is the starter solenoid fails and does even dim the lights. Before they replace the starter when it doesnt start make sure there is power at the purple wire to the starter with the key in the start position.

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Tuesday, January 17th, 2012 AT 2:32 AM

KROMZEK

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5 POSTS

Ok thanks, also sometimes it doesn't always dim and not start, sometimes it just won't start and a few seconds later it will crank over and start. It seems to act up more in the extreme cold if that helps?