Reliability Of Auto Zone Starters?

builderpaul · December 6, 2008

Hi,

A little background:

Helping my kid with his 99 S10 2.2. Truck started and ran fine till this AM. Turn the key can hear the solonid kick in but starter will not start.

Release the key can hear solonid return. Tapped stasrter with a hammer tried again with the same results.

Lights all work fine and do not dim when attempting to start.

Replaced starter, with mid priced unit, new one does the same thing. Solonid works but starter doesn't turn.

Thought maybe engine froze. It turned over easy with a breaker bar on the damper pully.

Thought maybe battery is bad. Bought new battery still no starter crank only the solonid working.

Even though all lights worked I thought maybe a fusable link. Ohm meter between battery positive and starter = 0 ohms (good wire).

Though ground may be bad same ohm test betweeen battery and block = 0

So what is the chance the new starter is bad?

Any other areas to look at? Hate to pull out starter again. Working outside on frozen mud with jack stands.

Thanks

Paul.

Zembonez · December 6, 2008

I don't trust anything from Autozone. I've had too many friends that bought alternators and starters there and either got non functional junk or one that died a week later. This of course doesn't mean that the one you got is bad... just that it isn't beyond the realm of possibility with these guys.

Did they test the old one? Have you tried jumping directly to the solenoid / starter to see if it tries to turn over? What you describe almost sounds like a bad ground cable to me. I would try connecting a jumper between the battery ground terminal and the engine block and see if anything improves. Those cables were bad about corroding internally.

Just a few suggestions... since it's hard to really tell from here. I do realize that you said you checked the cables with a meter...

pennzoil29 · December 6, 2008

I don't trust anything from Autozone. I've had too many friends that bought alternators and starters there and either got non functional junk or one that died a week later. This of course doesn't mean that the one you got is bad... just that it isn't beyond the realm of possibility with these guys.

Did they test the old one? Have you tried jumping directly to the solenoid / starter to see if it tries to turn over? What you describe almost sounds like a bad ground cable to me. I would try connecting a jumper between the battery ground terminal and the engine block and see if anything improves. Those cables were bad about corroding internally.

Just a few suggestions... since it's hard to really tell from here.

The only thing I'll buy from Autozone is windshield washer fluid.

pm26 · December 7, 2008

I don't trust anything from Autozone. I've had too many friends that bought alternators and starters there and either got non functional junk or one that died a week later. This of course doesn't mean that the one you got is bad... just that it isn't beyond the realm of possibility with these guys.

Did they test the old one? Have you tried jumping directly to the solenoid / starter to see if it tries to turn over? What you describe almost sounds like a bad ground cable to me. I would try connecting a jumper between the battery ground terminal and the engine block and see if anything improves. Those cables were bad about corroding internally.

Just a few suggestions... since it's hard to really tell from here.

The only thing I'll buy from Autozone is windshield washer fluid.

I got burned several times buying "rebuilt" parts from Auto Zone. Keep in mind that Auto Zone always keeps changing suppliers - the key is the lowest bidder. Their rebuilt part suppliers typically ship the parts to Mexico, where they are "expertly rebuilt" by people with little or no training. I am not making this up - the chances of some of these parts failing, especially alternators, starters, A/C compressors, power brake boosters are very high. First, they are not rebuilt properly, only a few key parts are replaced.

The latest fiasco was buying two "rebuilt" rear brake calipers for my brother's 99 Nissan Maxima. This was recently. The calipers were so poorly rebuilt that the piston would not even come out on one of them, and the other dragged when brake was released. these calipers have built-in parking brake mechanism and the worn parts inside were evidently not replaced. But they give you "lifetime warranty" on them.

ATL Z71 · December 7, 2008

I don't trust anything from Autozone. I've had too many friends that bought alternators and starters there and either got non functional junk or one that died a week later. This of course doesn't mean that the one you got is bad... just that it isn't beyond the realm of possibility with these guys.

I don't buy any parts from them anymore. What good is a lifetime warranty when the parts are constantly failing on you. I've had so many junk parts from them that either didn't work out of the box or failed shortly thereafter.

pm26 · December 7, 2008

Here is my short list:

two "new" radiators for 1983 Pontiac Boneville, new, both failed within 2 months. One developer four leaks simultaneously. After the second failure, I returned it and demanded my money back. "Lifetime warranty" on these radiators. I bought a new radiator from a GM dealer, pad twice as much for it, never had any issue with it in years, and it had only a one year warranty.

two "rebuilt" power brake boosters for the same car, both failed within a month

"rebuilt" A/C compressor for the same car, failed within three weeks. I bought a new one from the local GM dealer for twice the price, and never had any issue with it in years. The warranty on that one was only one year.

two "rebuilt"rear brake calipers for Nissan Maxima, failed right out of the box.

All of these parts were purchased at Auto Zone, and all had "lifetime warranty" on them.

jrrod2004 · December 7, 2008

Here is my short list:

two "new" radiators for 1983 Pontiac Boneville, new, both failed within 2 months. One developer four leaks simultaneously. After the second failure, I returned it and demanded my money back. "Lifetime warranty" on these radiators. I bought a new radiator from a GM dealer, pad twice as much for it, never had any issue with it in years, and it had only a one year warranty.

two "rebuilt" power brake boosters for the same car, both failed within a month

"rebuilt" A/C compressor for the same car, failed within three weeks. I bought a new one from the local GM dealer for twice the price, and never had any issue with it in years. The warranty on that one was only one year.

two "rebuilt"rear brake calipers for Nissan Maxima, failed right out of the box.

All of these parts were purchased at Auto Zone, and all had "lifetime warranty" on them.

Carquest or Oriellys...or the dealership if you want to drop some serious cash (or GMPartsDirect.com)

VMax2007 · December 7, 2008

The only thing worse then an Autozone rebuilt part is a Cobra radar detector.

Wow, I never knew the Cobra radar detectors were made by GM.

JoshRDavis.84 · December 7, 2008

I have not bought many parts from them, but about 2 years ago my Dad and I replaced the battery, starter, and solenoid on his 93 F-150 and so far so good. However it sounds like that is the minority.

I think I will think twice before I buy parts there again.

pm26 · December 7, 2008

To clarify:

Not all Auto Zone parts are bad. They are obviously good source for things like spark plugs, plug wires, oil, filters, and many brand name parts if they sell them new. However, stay away from their rebuilt parts.

C & A s Dad · December 7, 2008

Being in the industry, I would have to agree that AZ rotating electrical has always been the weakest part of their offering. Much of their product is fine but they have never been known for quality in the reman electrical area.

tobias · December 7, 2008

The only thing worse then an Autozone rebuilt part is a Cobra radar detector.

Wow, I never knew the Cobra radar detectors were made by GM.

When exactly do you think that "Happiness is coming?" I hope it hurries the f*ck up.

2000DV4.8 · December 7, 2008

The only thing worse then an Autozone rebuilt part is a Cobra radar detector.

Zembonez · December 7, 2008

To clarify:

Not all Auto Zone parts are bad. They are obviously good source for things like spark plugs, plug wires, oil, filters, and many brand name parts if they sell them new. However, stay away from their rebuilt parts.

Good point Pete. They do run some pretty good (cheap) specials on oil and name brand replacement stuff here.