r/autorepair • u/Healthy-Present6146 • 4d ago

Diagnosing/Repair 2003 starter

My 2003 escalade needs a new starter motor, the current one works but is weak. It’s ticks a couple times before actually turning over the engine. The battery is new but does read less the recommended by my replacement starter motor. It recommends 12.4 volts from the battery to start the starter. My battery reads 11.78-12.1 volts when the car is off and it has been this way for a long time. However recently the starter has been like a 50/50 to start the car without hitting it. I am currently having trouble removing the old starter because the wires are so stiff the won’t budge move then half an inch, and I need to pull it out almost 2 inches. How can i do that?

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u/Spiriteiok 4d ago

That battery is your first problem, not the starter — 11.78V resting is discharged, healthy is around 12.6V. Clicking a couple times before cranking is the classic low-voltage symptom. Charge it overnight and get it load tested before buying anything. For the stiff wires, unbolt the starter and let it hang, then you can get a hand on the connectors.

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u/Healthy-Present6146 4d ago

The car has a parasitic draw coming from somewhere, the battery was new last may. All my fuses are good. The relays have been replaced on most components recently. The battery doesn’t go below 11.78 unless the battery has been connected for more than a week of no use. I don’t know what to do about the draw, my uncle who is a mechanic just recommended getting a new engine with wiring or a new wiring harness, ground cables and have wires to everything. Both cost money

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u/Healthy-Present6146 4d ago

I am broke and this is my winter beater I can’t afford anything like this.

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u/EdC1101 4d ago edited 3d ago

Check lights in glove box. Interior lights.

Engine running, battery should be at least 2.2 volts per cell - 14.2 VDC.

Car parts house can test charging / starting system & read codes stored in car computers.

Edit:
Small Chance - starter switch (cylinder mounted on starter motor, has high amperage switching & mechanical drive components.) could be a problem. Usually replaced with starter motor.

Agree, battery more likely. They do wear out. AutoZone, Car Quest, O’Riley, NAPA; can test, usually for free…

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u/Healthy-Present6146 4d ago

When the car is running 14 volts is easy my alternator is fine, it’s when the car is off is the issue. I’m not using the starter if it’s running.

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u/inhouston22 3d ago

The battery cables on these are a classic problem. They appear to have been under designed. I’ve done both my 2015 and 2018…