LR3 starter doesn't like today's cold weather

[jafir]

So today I went to start my car, and I got just a single click, I'm assuming from the starter solenoid.

My first thought was week battery, especially because there are rumors of the LR3 having a "smart" charging system that doesn't always charge the batter fully. (and it's cold out.) So I removed the battery and charged it. It seems to be holding a charge.

I still get the single click. If it cycle the key a few times eventually it will crank, and the starter sounds strong and like it's spinning fast.

So before I go do the basic troubleshooting (it's cold out) any suggestions? Does this sound like the solenoid? If so, should I replace just that, or should I go for a complete starter?

View attachment LTB00051_-_Technical_Bulletin_-_Starter_Motor_Solenoid_Replacement.pdf

 

[ArmyRover]

It could be worse. That light pole on it's roof was originally about 80 feet from where the LR3 stopped

 

[jafir]

Wow.

 

[ArmyRover]

Honestly though the LR3 didn't look that bad all things considered. He had flown by me about .5 mile before that. I was trundling along in the 110 at a slow and steady pace.

 

[jafir]

The LR3 does very well in the snow and ice. Speaking of slow and steady, I'm kind of bummed I haven't had a chance to take the 90 out to play. I've still got the steering box out waiting for a new drop arm.

 

[KyleT]

My bet is the starter itself. Mine went in a similar fashion. Cold all I got was a click, but once it started finally and was hot, no issue. I whacked it with a hammer and it fired right up each time until I replaced it. (In a jag range rover but same starter iirc)

 

[jafir]

Good to know. At least they aren't too expensive after market.

 

[jafir]

I hope I don't get what I paid for, because I just bought a starter on amazon (with prime) for $22.84.

 

[ArmyRover]

Damn! I would have got 2 lol

 

[KyleT]

Good to know. At least they aren't too expensive after market.

I got a oem lr one for like 200. Not terrible.

 

[WNYDiscoIIErik]

Never had a problem with my LR3 starter in Buffalo winters.

 

[jafir]

Never had a problem with my LR3 starter in Buffalo winters.

I just meant my lr3 starter has started to not like the cold. It's probably got a few more miles on it

 

[jymmiejamz]

LR3 starter failures are pretty common and are almost always intermittent in my experience.

 

[Some Dude]

Mine started, albeit barely, at -10 yesterday. It sounded awful.

 

[jafir]

So I finally got around to taking part the old start, and the contacts inside were worn out, just like I've seen on Toyotas. Less than $20 in new parts and now I've got a spare. Though I mainly just messed with it out of curiosity.

 

[discostew]

we see some engine ground straps cause click / no starts sometimes . I measure the voltage drop from neg bat terminal to the rt cylinder head while cranking . Take the fuel pump fuse out while truck is running , after it stalls have someone crank the engine while you measure . That truck was a total loss . I got 15,500 for it . Wife said it was Ice and like 5 other cars involved .