3.2 starting issues/electical

[Robcat77]

Hi,
I replaced my battery just a year and half ago - seems to be holding charge fine.
Car starts fine after not being driven for a while (sometimes after sitting two weeks).

Occasionally, after I've driven it around a bit, it won't start again. You just get kind of an ignition buzzing sound. All gauge lites come on when I turn ignition and power windows have plenty of power.

Someone years ago installed an auto door unlock kit with a key fob.
Some times when it doesn't start like this, I press lock/unlock a few times on the fob and car will start.
Today it didn't work. I had someone give me a jump and started right up.

I'll double check, but pretty sure battery connections are tight/secure. Maybe I'll bring battery in to be tested, but seems like it's fine.

I'm suspicious of this auto door unlock.

Any suggestions how to proceed?

In the mean time I'm going to order one of those portable jump starters.

[snbush67]

I just read in another thread that it is common for the starter solenoid to act up when hot. Some have installed a hot start relay to ensure full power.

what does the hot-start relay do?

I think you are on the right track by checking and cleaning the starter and battery connections.

[Robcat77]

Originally Posted by snbush67

I just read in another thread that it is common for the starter solenoid to act up when hot. Some have installed a hot start relay to ensure full power.

what does the hot-start relay do?

I think you are on the right track by checking and cleaning the starter and battery connections.

Thanks for pointing me to that thread - good suggestions and things to try.
It's also nice to know you're not crazy, and not the only one to experience these things.

[T77911S]

make sure the connections are clean. don't forget the one from tranny to body.
solenoid heat soak is a good possibility

[GH85Carrera]

If you have the stock Bosch starter that works fine cold, but just nothing when hot it might well be the starter. First off, as with ALL electrical issues, is clean all the grounds. Remove the transmission ground strap, and clean the ends of the strap and the areas the bolt onto. Clean the battery connection, and the starter connections. Clean every connection.

With my stock Bosch starter is would work fine in local areas, and even on hot days for local trips. Only when I drove long distances like 6 to 10 hours road trips it would heat soak, and just stop working. Nothing more fun that getting a push start from the front entrance of a nice hotel. In 45 minutes it would cool off enough to fire up. I had it rebuilt, and all connections were in pristine condition. No luck, on road trips it would not work. I bought a fresh remanufactured Bosch starter, and it had the same issue. I have two Bosch starters in my attic I need to sell.

I replaced them with the high torque starter and the problem was cured. I have had many 12 hour trips in 100+ heat, and it works every-time. I have been in below zero temps, and it just works.

[MStier]

I had this or a very similar problem for many years in my '88. Two things kinda, sorta worked, but only about half the time. One was to check the inline fuse that's on a wire that attaches to the negative battery terminal. The other was to replace the DME relay under the driver's seat. What finally fixed it was one day I decided to check the battery voltage, even though my battery tender, which I use religiously when the car's not being driven. The voltage was a little low, I think about 11.7 volts. I took it back to where I'd bought it, told them the history, and they gave me a new battery. Haven't had a problem since.

When you check the voltage, disconnect the negative contact so you don't have a draw on the battery that will lower the voltage.