Delayed start when cold.

[abscate]

So I just put 12V to this and it should engage the starter, just like I was turning the key, right? Does the key need to be in the ignition in "run" position?

Not quite. No Terminal 30 or X terminal accessories are energised, so it will just crank the starter and engage the Bendix, just like POS III, but the engine won't start.

However, you do treat it like a weapon, and assume the engine might start.

What it will tell you if the starter relay and ignition switch are sending a good healthy voltage and current to the starter solenoid and help eliminate or point to those for your delayed start problem.

Just touch it to the bare terminal in the white plastic, and see if it your cranking is different.

On a side note, I really need to turn that rogue 10A fuse around. I mean, really, who does that???

Who does that? Do you know where I can buy a CD changer where the first position is labelled 0 instead of 1?

I want it to read 0CD, of course.

[erikv11]

... On a side note, I really need to turn that rogue 10A fuse around. I mean, really, who does that???

OMG I can't look at that!

FIX IT!!!

[clarkerussell]

So I just put 12V to this and it should engage the starter, just like I was turning the key, right? Does the key need to be in the ignition in "run" position?

Not quite. No Terminal 30 or X terminal accessories are energised, so it will just crank the starter and engage the Bendix, just like POS III, but the engine won't start.

However, you do treat it like a weapon, and assume the engine might start.

What it will tell you if the starter relay and ignition switch are sending a good healthy voltage and current to the starter solenoid and help eliminate or point to those for your delayed start problem.

Just touch it to the bare terminal in the white plastic, and see if it your cranking is different.

On a side note, I really need to turn that rogue 10A fuse around. I mean, really, who does that???

Who does that? Do you know where I can buy a CD changer where the first position is labelled 0 instead of 1?

I want it to read 0CD, of course.

Cool, so it's really just a hot lead to the starter solenoid, and since the + cable is always hot, it will engage the starter regardless of the switch, right? It's basically a hard wired remote starter switch like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E ... UTF8&psc=1

Basically if there is no delay with the starter using this method, I can likely assume it's switch related.

[clarkerussell]

Unfortunately jumpering the terminal to the + post did not work. Same symptom as when the ignition was turned. It took about 5 seconds of keeping the key turned to get the car to start, just like in the past...

I think I'm down to starter replacement unless others can suggest something else...

Oh, but on a positive note, I did fix the fuse:

[abscate]

Pull the starter and have it bench tested. Have a good look at the red green wire to the starter and its terminal. You are pretty well down to a small list of possible things now.

I think we ruled out battery cable above?

[clarkerussell]

Pull the starter and have it bench tested. Have a good look at the red green wire to the starter and its terminal. You are pretty well down to a small list of possible things now.

I think we ruled out battery cable above?

New starter wire (OEM from FCP), and I pulled the starter and had it tested at O'Riley's. Solenoid engaged fine, starter turned over in the test unit. They didn't do a resistance check or anything, just applied 12V to it on the starter/alternator testing machine they have in store.

Also, battery was replaced when this first started happening, so it's only 1 month old... Initial testing showed no drop on the negative side of the cable either.

I ordered a rebuild Bosch unit from Amazon, it'll be here on Wednesday.

[clarkerussell]

Does anyone have an experience with these Bosch rebuilt starters?

(with MS link now:)
https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-SR0483X-VO ... 1-fkmrnull

Seems like a great deal. They are $145.22 and there is a $60 "rebate" when you return your core. Basically $85 for a rebuilt in the USA Bosch unit...

[erikv11]

There are a handful of reviews on its page at FCP, almost all positive.

[abscate]

I see it at 142 USD aFter rebate

Still a great price , 180 elsewhere

[clarkerussell]

Wow, Amazon must be doing some crazy pricing logic based on link activity. It's been $142 BEFORE the rebate since I started diagnosing the issue. I purchased mine yesterday at $142 (total was $155.75 with tax minus mail in $60 rebate = $95.75)... It changed shortly after I updated the link with the MVS Amazon link. Odd...

I'll keep one in my cart to see if the price drops back when they get more in stock.