starter?

[pontiacelite]

today i got in my car turned the key and didnt even get what sounded like it trying to start. lights are all fine, doesnt seem to be battery, i go back 2 minutes later to jump my car and the car turns right over, been fine all day today, i was just wondering if this may be a sign the starter is starting to go bad. any input wouldbe appreciated. and is there anything else i can look for to see if my starter is going bad? thanks.

[rixGAphx]

That is a strong sign that the starter SOLENOID is going bad.
The rod that is moved by the magnetic solenoid action gets hung-up and can't move (it's supposed to slide, thereby 'clicking' and engaging the starter/flywheel gears as well as causing the power to flow thru the starter motor).

The solenoid may last another 2-3 years with no problem, may cause occasional problems, or may totally crap-out next week.
Shouldn't take a couple hours and ~$20 to replace the solenoid.
First, disconnect the Neg (ground cable).

In an emergency when this happens, try putting something non-conductive (like a short broom handle) against the solenoid, and whacking the handle with a hammer.
The force/vibration is often adequate to dislodge the hang-up and allow the solenoid to function.
Just don't use a metal rod!! There's an unprotected POS terminal at the solenoid, just waiting to ground-out to the chassis/block/your ring/whatever.
The amount of powwer is enough to do minor arc-welding, and it can burn thru flesh :eek:

Good luck,
-Rick