Starting Problem
 

RE: 1996 Vette, Automatic Trans, Standard 350 engine, all options

Hi gang,
I have noticed that when I start my Vette (recentaly) the starter hesitated slightly but would start with the 2 nd try. Now it's gotten to the point that I have to turn the key 3 or 4 times and then it would start. It always starts eventually. I replaced the battery 8 months ago and the treminals and connections apprea OK. The car acts as slmost it's warning me to it needs mechanical attention of sorts. The engine service lite is lit now and maybe that has something to do with it though it was not lit before.
Thanks for your help.

The Phantom

RE: Starting Problem
 

i would bet the starter motor and/or the solenoid is about to go out. be glad that your car is warning you instead of quitting all of a sudden in some cold parking lot. i would replace is asap.

RE: Starting Problem
 

Tell me more. I may be the starter or solenoid (they tend to wear out and it would not be suprprising at all for one on a 96 to be about to go out. But just to be safe, check all the terminal connections again, on the battery and at the strter end, too. And if there is nothing improved when you clean them well and reconnect and try to start, then its time to replace the starter before the car strands you somewhere. Even if this is not your problem, it will go pretty soon (within a couple of years, I'd guess) and so its not like you are really throwing the money away.

By the way, Advanced Auto and NAPA and places like that carry starters at about half the price of the GM dealer and they come with lifetime guarrantees (I just had to replace the starter on my '98 Camaro).