Just thought I'd share my latest repair.

I was sitting in a parking lot and tried to start the Tracker and NOTHING but "tick" from behind the dash.  I had plenty of battery, but the starter didn't budge.

I had replaced the starter a few years ago, so I didn't suspect it (too much anyway), but after many years driving older cars, I've gotten used to poor grounds and damaged wires.

So, the first thing I did was to pull the wires from the starter solenoid and give them and the solenoid posts a good wire brushing.

So far (knock wood), it's starting fine.  I love zero $$$ fixes  

I had that problem after my Tracker sat in the garage for a week or two... went to start it up, got nothing but ticking... couldn't jump start it, more ticking, and no turning of the starter at all... I started messing with the wires, and found that if I wiggled the ground that went to the starter, it would turn over once or twice, then do the same thing. I fiddled with that stuff for a few minutes, then said fuck it, got a hammer and tapped the solinoid. Started right up... I'm hoping it's just the wires and not the solinoid going bad :-/

Well, the bad news is I spoke too soon; it happened again  I had jiggled the wires a bit AND smacked the solenoid with the butt of the flashlight the first time and it started.  The second time I didn't do any banging, just cleaned the wire contacts and it started; that's when I got my hopes up.  But, it happened again today and another smack on the solenoid did the trick.  So, part of Memorial Day will be spent replacing the starter.  At least the starter is still under warranty, so even though it won't be particularly easy, it'll be FREE.  Guess that rates at least a normal smiley

My starter started doing the same thing, had to tap it to get it going. PITA  I did a little checking and found the brushes were wore out. Took 5 minutes and a couple bucks to fix once the starter was on the bench. It's been going stong ever since.

My starter started doing the same thing, had to tap it to get it going. PITA  I did a little checking and found the brushes were wore out. Took 5 minutes and a couple bucks to fix once the starter was on the bench. It's been going stong ever since.

I've never rebuilt a starter or replaced any of the internals.  Is it difficult to get the parts?

I believe I got the brushes from GM but any auto electric place should have them.

I believe I got the brushes from GM but any auto electric place should have them.

Thanks.  I'll have to keep that in mind for my other vehicles.

I got my $140 replacement starter today, FREE.  I guess one good thing about keeping a car for a long time is the warrantys pay off after a while (I still have 79 years on my starter warranty ).

Installation was pretty easy; about 1/2 hour.  I was surprised that the new starter was about 4/5 the length of the one I had in there  Oh well, as long as it works.