98 gti starter

[Dchally]

Hi all, does anyone know what a starter on a 98 Gti would sound or act like when it is about to be toast? Mine still turns over but when I push the start it knocks one time then with the choke pulled out will start reluctantly. Battery is odyssey and new this year and is dry cell. I either have a starter issue or battery is not holding charge I think.

 

[Dr Honda]

There isn't any sound when a starter is going bad. It just stops working.

Odyssey makes good batteries, so I wouldn't think the battery is an issue.. but you may want to give it a charge, just to make sure it's at full power.

I would start by loosening all the power cables, and cleaning the ends, and terminals... then put them back on. Sometimes, over the winter, a little corrosion will build up behind the cables, and you loose power to the starter.

If that doesn't' help... then take the starter apart, and clean it out. Do not, but an aftermarket "eBay" starter. They are known to be junk. An old OEM starter, once cleaned out, and some new brushes installed, will normally work better than the import starters.

 

[Dchally]

Thx and i would bet you are right. Have not cleaned the power cables / terminals in a couple years.

 

[Dchally]

Thx and i would bet you are right. Have not cleaned the power cables / terminals in a couple years.

Ok now the doo just died in the middle of the lake. At idle it just died and trying to restart it i dont even get a red lite when i put the dess in. Tested the batt and it is fine. Cleaned terminals also. i am at a loss right now any ideas, could it b the starter if i am getting no light to come on?

 

[Dchally]

I am still getting nothing when i put the dess in. i usually at least get a lite for 2 secs. may not be the starter but tried loose connections/wires and still no power at all. any ideas?

 

[Dchally]

Found my problem. Not the starter but a power cable to my box was corroded badly. Thx for the advice Dr!