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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 |
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,242
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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
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1999 996 C4 Cabriolet 1997 BMW M3 (Hail) 1985 928 S (Sold) 1982 SC Targa (Sold) |
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Slumlord
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Canada
Posts: 4,983
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My guess: Starter or starter solenoid.
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84 Cab - sold! 89 Cab - not quite done 90C4 - winter beater |
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i want one of those...
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: formerly a grass shack in Hawaii, now Peoria, AZ
Posts: 3,030
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and mine is battery/ground cables
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Jeff '72 911 T Targa widebody VTK #111385 http://www.911vtk.com |
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Quote:
Quote:
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. |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,959
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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
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2021 Subaru Legacy, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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Registered
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,242
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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?
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1999 996 C4 Cabriolet 1997 BMW M3 (Hail) 1985 928 S (Sold) 1982 SC Targa (Sold) |
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v/r Wayne C. 83 SC |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 1,381
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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...
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GruppeB #935 84 Carrera Targa B.A.S.T.A.R.D. (for sale) 82 SC RSR Project (on ebay) 95 Dodge Ram 2500 03 Toyota 4runner |
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