starter problems?

[grandprix89]

hi i don't know if it's the starter solenoid that is gonna die soon or just a weak battery that i have. about 2 weeks ago, a strange starting problem occurs. it only happens once a day, in the morning and when it's really cold outside below -10 celsius. the starter spins, but doesn't crank the engine. so could it be that the solenoid is weak and doesn't engage the starter or it's the battery that's weak and doesn't activate the starter properly?...cuz it only happens when it's cold and in the morning..after that it starts with no problem for the rest of the day. what do u think?

 

thanks a lot

[buckethead]

I'd take it down to autozone and ask them to test your battery... that's gonna be a lot easier to replace than your starter.

[Regal_GS_1989]

I'm not too sure that it is the battery. I am thinking of something along the lines of a sticking starter gear. When it is cold outside, the grease could be to stiff to allow the gear to engage fully, thus, the starter would just spin without turning the motor over. That could explain why it only happen when it is cold out.

[paulo57509]

When you turn the key, the soleniod "pulls" in (makes contact and completes the circuit from the battery to the starter motor) and makes the starter turn.

 

It's the starter drive that's going out. If it was the solenoid, the starter wouldn't spin.