96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking

"RT" wrote in message

> 96 geo prizm, 140K
> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
> cleaned the battery terminals.
> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>
> Thanks.

If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
without having to replace the entire starter.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message

>
> "RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
> If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
> try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
> Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
> contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the
> contacts without having to replace the entire starter.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)


I don't know if the 96' has the same engine as the 95', but on the 95', it
was a bitch getting the starter off the back of the engine.
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 23:31:00 -0500, "Reasoned Insanity"
wrote:

>
>"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>
>>
>> "RT" wrote in message
>>
>>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>
>> If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>> try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>> Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>> contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the
>> contacts without having to replace the entire starter.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>
>
>I don't know if the 96' has the same engine as the 95', but on the 95', it
>was a bitch getting the starter off the back of the engine.
>

Not sure. The manual I have says I can get to it by just removing the
air plenum from the airbox to the intake. Should be right under it.
Was that the location yours was at ?
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

The relay is on the starter ?
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

"RT" wrote in message

> On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>
>>
>>"RT" wrote in message
>>
>>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>
>>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the
>>contacts
>>without having to replace the entire starter.
>
> The relay is on the starter ?

I think so.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?

This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?

This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?

This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?

This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?

This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
<rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>
>"RT" wrote in message
>
>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>
>> Thanks.
>
>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the contacts
>without having to replace the entire starter.

Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?

This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor

Thanks
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

"RT" wrote in message

> On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>
>>
>>"RT" wrote in message
>>
>>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>
>>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the
>>contacts
>>without having to replace the entire starter.
>
> Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
> airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
> so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
> According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
> after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
> is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?
>
> This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor
>
> Thanks

You must be really busy if your first post was in August and you're just not
getting around to taking a look at the starter!

The starter will be mounted on the engine block where the block meets the
transmission. There should be 2 thick cables attached to the positive
terminal of the battery. One will lead to the alternator and the other will
lead to the starter.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking 

"RT" wrote in message

> On Sat, 12 Aug 2006 22:29:02 -0500, "Ray O"
> <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
>
>>
>>"RT" wrote in message
>>
>>> 96 geo prizm, 140K
>>> Sometimes when starting I turn the key and the starter/engine does not
>>> crank at all. I hear some slight buzzing but that's it. If I turn the
>>> key back and then try again it starts without any hesitation. I
>>> cleaned the battery terminals.
>>> Any idea what could be wrong or to look at first ?
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>
>>If you are hearing buzzing from under the hood and it starts the very next
>>try and this only happens occasionally, you probably need a new starter.
>>Before you replace the starter, check the condition of the starter relay
>>contacts - they have a tendency to burn out and you can replace the
>>contacts
>>without having to replace the entire starter.
>
> Okay, I finally had some time to check the car out. I removed the
> airfilter/box to get to the starter. I can't see it under the airbox
> so it must be somewhere else ! Anyone help me out where to find it ?
> According to the haynes manual it is under the airbox and accessible
> after removing the airbox. I am thinking that is incorrect. So, where
> is it ? Do I have to be under the car to reach it ?
>
> This is on a 96 geo prizm with the 1.6 motor
>
> Thanks

You must be really busy if your first post was in August and you're just not
getting around to taking a look at the starter!

The starter will be mounted on the engine block where the block meets the
transmission. There should be 2 thick cables attached to the positive
terminal of the battery. One will lead to the alternator and the other will
lead to the starter.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 96 geo prizm, not always starting/cranking