Is this a sign of a future problem?
 

My car is a stock 83 SC. I performed a tune-up about 3,000 miles ago (6 months), changed plugs, wires, rotor, and cap. All has been well. Twice in the last ten times, when I try to start the car the dashboard lights come on but all I get is a faint “buzz” sound. I return the key to the off position and try again and it starts with no problem. Note, about a month ago I started the car and the pop-off value popped off with a loud backfired. I reinstalled the pop-off value without another incident…not sure if these two incidents are related.

Any idea what could be the cause? I’d really like to fix the problem before being stranded somewhere. Thanks.

V/r
Wayne C.
83 SC

Quick question: Did you use stock wires or did you go aftermarket? And, is the stereo on when you hear the buzz or is it off?

And when you say reinstalled the pop-off valve, what do you mean. They have a spring on them to automatically close.

Michael

My guess: Starter or starter solenoid.

and mine is battery/ground cables

Michael, I used Magnecor wires and believe the stereo is on.

The pop-off value came completely off. JW said glue it back on and drive...that's what I did.

I repalced the starter about 2 years ago. When the starter went bad the situation was different...no sound/power at all. But, maybe they fail in different ways.

Thanks for the feedback. Any other thoughts?

v/r
Wayne C.

Agree about the battery cables or grounding strap. Could be a solenoid but you need to confirm that the power is getting to the system before looking at the starter or solenoid.

JoeA

If you are hearing a buzzing, it could be that the ignition wires are not grounded. Many aftermarket wires are not grounded and you will hear a buzzing sound through your radio. There won't be any degradation in performance, but you will get a hum.

When you get the hum, do you still try and start or do you just turn it off and turn it back on?

It's hard to tell but it seems the noise is coming from the engine, not the radio. I do not hear any strange noise in the radio. If the car does not start, I try again and it's starts...has only happended twice.

v/r
Wayne C.
83 SC

He, he. he... you are probably just about to loose your ignition switch. Sometimes as they go they freak out and don't send a signal to the starter... The buzz your hearing may be your fuel pump doing it's thing as the electricity is going to it... Mine does that occasionally. Turn to switch off, fires right up...