99 SE 3100 Starting Issue Feedback

**thekelleyjb** · 11-27-2016

Hi all,
I am having a starting issue that I would like some feedback on. I am taking it to the shop tomorrow but would like to get a heads up if possible to what you think it might be before I take it there so I am less likely to get ripped off (woman).
My 99 has been whining when I start it, very similar to the way a dying battery in the middle of a cold winter sounds.
I took it to Autozone and had the battery tested and they said it was bad. I picked out the Econo battery that they said fits the car and the guy had a really hard time getting the old battery out but finally did and put the new one in and then I tried it to start it and the car barely started after that. He went back and tested his connections, said they were good. Tested the new battery said it was good. I even had him test the "bad" battery and he said it was indeed bad. I drove down the road about 2 miles and shut the car off. When I went to turn it back, it was worse then before I swapped out the battery and when I tried a bunch of times there was only a very faint whining then finally a small amount of white smoke from under the driver's side of the hood. I waited a few minutes and tried again and once a again a small amount of white smoke but it started in the same way that it was starting before I replaced the battery, but at least it did start and got me home.
Thank you for any insight you could give.

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**cheatah faheatah** · 11-27-2016

IMO you prolly have a bad starter. Any color smoke when describing electrical issues is BAD. If your shop offers you the option, go with a rebuilt, or remanufactured (same thing) starter. Just a good as new,(but cheaper) and with a car that old it will prolly be the last one it sees anyway. If you need to have it towed in, (because it won't start) they will prolly charge you for a "no start diagnosis fee". But most shops will waive that charge (incorporate it into the price of a new starter and installation) if you have them do the work. Don't let them upsell you on a "Gold" or "Lifetime" starter, a basic rebuilt will be fine for your needs............E

**thekelleyjb** · 11-27-2016

Originally Posted by cheatah faheatah

IMO you prolly have a bad starter. Any color smoke when describing electrical issues is BAD. If your shop offers you the option, go with a rebuilt, or remanufactured (same thing) starter. Just a good as new,(but cheaper) and with a car that old it will prolly be the last one it sees anyway. If you need to have it towed in, (because it won't start) they will prolly charge you for a "no start diagnosis fee". But most shops will waive that charge (incorporate it into the price of a new starter and installation) if you have them do the work. Don't let them upsell you on a "Gold" or "Lifetime" starter, a basic rebuilt will be fine for your needs............E

Thanks, that helps!! It started after I parked it so I am hoping it starts again in the morning, if not I have roadside assistance with my car insurance that will let me tow it to the shop for free. Great advice on the rebuild or remanufactured starter! I have totally not been trying to put a lot of money into it because of the year but a rebuilt starter never crossed my mind! Thanks again!

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**cheatah faheatah** · 11-27-2016

Your welcome, Good luck. I've been there done that with nursing older cars along... I think we all have...lol We've never owned new cars...Our vehicles now are 10 yrs old or older...

**cheatah faheatah** · 11-28-2016

How did everything work out?

**cheatah faheatah** · 12-18-2016

Ma'am? Some would consider it rude to not reply after someone has given you help/advice.....There are plenty of others that could benefit from you reply, whether I was right or not. This forum best benefits ALL when ideas and information are shared. Please don't think of GPF as a one way street.....E.