I had my 94 Rodeo 3.2L in a parking lot today. Went out to start it and nothing. I had lights and dash lights but it woudn't turn at all. After determining that the battery was fully charged and the car was normal up to the point of turning over I was stumped. I checked the starter relay by swapping in the A/C relay and that wasn't it. I then bypassed the clutch safety switch by pulling off the connector at the clutch peddle and jumping a wire across. After that didn't work I had my Uncle push the truck in an attempted bump start. (it's a 5 speed luckly) The car only turned over maybe 1/32 and stopped. I tried it once more and VROOOM!

I think maybe there was some ice in the mix or something. The weather here in the North East has been terrible. With no other indications of a problem I am thinking of just driving the truck. As the motor turns I get no whining or crunching just a relatively quick rotation and a VROOM!

Just posted really in case someone else has the same issue.

Mandra

replace the starter

i agree sounds like bad brushes or solenoid.
replacing the starter will fix both problems.

Thanks I am going to replace the starter!

At least she's at home for the job :)

Exactly same thing with my 1992 5spd 4x4. For two years! Finally replaced starter by dealer, $356. I wanted the old one back. The parts counter guy wanted additional $50 core fee! After some argument about I'd purchased a new starter and wasn't about to pay them more, they gave me the old back. I'll have it checked and keep it for a spare.

Exactly same thing with my 1992 5spd 4x4. For two years! Finally replaced starter by dealer, $356. I wanted the old one back. The parts counter guy wanted additional $50 core fee! After some argument about I'd purchased a new starter and wasn't about to pay them more, they gave me the old back. I'll have it checked and keep it for a spare.



Think of the core charge as a discount or them paying you to buy your old starter. So, starter actually costs $406 and they buy your old one for $50.00. Perfectly reasonable.

Nah . . . They invoiced me "Without Core". If they wanted the core they would have indicated that and shown the discount.