1996 Chevy Monte Carlo

STEVEEIN78

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

My sons 96 monte carlo almost always started immedilately.2 weeks ago started having problems starting. Would just seem to take longer to start. He borrowed a friends car for about a week. I went down to see him, got in the car and it started right up. Drove it for 10 min. Stopped and got gas. Went to start it and would barely turn over for 1 to 2 seconds then it started. Drove to auto parts store shut it off. Same thing happened when I started it again. They checked battery and alternator and they checked fine.

5 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,758 POSTS

The next thing to test would be the starter current draw while the engine is hot.

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 1:08 PM

STEVEEIN78

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4 POSTS

They checked starter while they were checking battery &alternator and it checked ok but they said a true test would be to take starter off and bench test it. Would this be the next thing to do?

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 1:37 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
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No, that is completely wrong. You can't test current draw when it's off the car. It has to be done in the car and only when the engine is hot. They have to measure amp draw not voltage drop.

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 1:39 PM

STEVEEIN78

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4 POSTS

Can this be done at auto zone or similar type parts store?If not where is your suggestion to take it to?

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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 2:08 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,758 POSTS

Not likely. All they use is a simple voltage drop test. You need to measure the amp draw of the starter when the engine is hot because that will be when it at it's worst.