I was working on a '96 SSEi last weekend and this weekend where the starter motor had apparently frozen up or any number of other things. It would give off a puff of smoke when you tried to start it, and wouldn't turn.

When I pulled it, and bench tested it, same thing. Basically done for. Except I noticed that the drive was stuck half engaged. So I forced it back down in, and sure enough the starter was working again. Worked about three times before it got stuck again and locked up. Whatever, junkyard starters are like $25, and I can replace the massive stupid starter that requires removal of the front exhaust manifold to R&R for the gear reduction starter motor that is small enough to squeak between the subframe and the bottom of the radiator support.

I grabbed one last weekend, bench tested it, checks out ok. Strip it down to check the brushes and put a new solenoid on it, clean it up, paint it, etc. It works like a champ.

Go to install it in the car, and it doesn't work. It clicks like the battery is low or dead, which is not the case. I was slightly confused as to how this new issue happens while that car sat for a week...

The DMM told me I had +12.6v at the starter and +12.2v on the solenoid trigger when the key was turned to start. If I have +12v there, the only other thing to check is the ground. Quick and dirty way, use the jumper cable to connect the battery ground to a stud on the block. Starter comes to life and everything works! Amazing!

I removed the negative cable from the battery, I couldn't find any corrosion in the wire, so cleaned it up and it was still acting finicky. Ended up basically replacing it with a new ground strap that is located in a spot that is easier to access. Not sure what was wrong with that strap, but I've never seen that before.

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Boost addict


The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67

I hate chasing bad grounds... It could be that the connection at that ground strap to the vehicle, just became a bad connection. I'm finding that a lot with the RGC.

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Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*

Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ

Daily Drivers:
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited: Mommy's new RGC
2015 Chrysler Town & Country Limited Platinum: Kids new RGC
2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited: Sold to neighbor
2009 Pontiac G8 GT: L76, Sport Red Metallic
2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500: Doeskin Tan - 8.1L Big Block... new plow truck
1999 Chevrolet Suburban: Sunset Gold Metallic - Daddy's winter beater and plow truck