I need some advice. Up to now my '96 3.5 V6 needed only one quick flick of the key to start irrespective if the engine was hot or cold. This was during summer times. However, now that its winter it’s a different story. When I start the vehicle the first time for the day (outside temperature usually between -3°C – 6°C), I have to flick the key several times from OFF to START until it starts. It seems if there is a “loose”/frozen” contact?. It’s not a case that the engine is turning but wouldn’t start. Neither the starter nor engine is turning or cranking. It seems/sounds like a solenoid “clicking” when I turn the key. It’s almost if by flicking the key back and forth, a current is suddenly completed and the engine will start and turn just like in summer. Once the engine starts and reached normal temperature, its back to the “one” flick summer start for the rest of the day. The second strange thing is that the “Hand brake light” will remain ON during this cold winter mornings. The light eventually dies after some driving or warmer outside temperatures. (the distance seems to be related to the outside temperature). I have checked all relevant fluid levels and all seems to be OK.
Kaas,
I had the same problem with 3.5.
First it turned out to be the actual connection to the starter. The wire was badly corroded. I replaced a piece of the wire and the auto electrician installed a starter relay to overcome that.
Secondly it was also found that the battery was faulty. It was a deep cycle battery and for some reason the battery seems ok when load tested but the just another day or so the same problem appeared. Once started it seems ok and for the rest of the day it was fine untill morning. I just replaced the battery with a normal car battery.
I aslo had the starter removed and checked and there was nothing wrong with it.
Maybe you can start with a load test on the battery and then check if the connections to starter is up to scratch especially where it connects to the starter.
As for the hand brake light in my humble opinion_ check the switch or check the cables that is the same length and that it is set correctly- both wheels set at the correct settings and while you are busy check the hand brake shoes - I removed my whole system cleaned and lubrictaed it all .
Hope this helps
I had the same problem with 3.5.
First it turned out to be the actual connection to the starter. The wire was badly corroded. I replaced a piece of the wire and the auto electrician installed a starter relay to overcome that.
Secondly it was also found that the battery was faulty. It was a deep cycle battery and for some reason the battery seems ok when load tested but the just another day or so the same problem appeared. Once started it seems ok and for the rest of the day it was fine untill morning. I just replaced the battery with a normal car battery.
I aslo had the starter removed and checked and there was nothing wrong with it.
Maybe you can start with a load test on the battery and then check if the connections to starter is up to scratch especially where it connects to the starter.
As for the hand brake light in my humble opinion_ check the switch or check the cables that is the same length and that it is set correctly- both wheels set at the correct settings and while you are busy check the hand brake shoes - I removed my whole system cleaned and lubrictaed it all .
Hope this helps
paw_by_paw
Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely pay attention to the suggested (possible) culprits.
Kaas
Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely pay attention to the suggested (possible) culprits.
Kaas