spare key/bad starter?

[unknown1]

Dont know what I got into,but here goes. Had my console door apart(reglued the passanger side that was loose) Found a spare ignition key inside there. Brand new and correct looking. Tried it and everything was normal...lights action etc,till I went to start the beast. Starter turned,no engagement..?Tried the keys Ive been using and all is well,except now when de-excellerating or playing with throttle when rpm drops from1500 to idle there is a "spike"in dash lighting. Havent noticed a change in headlights etc. Nothing audible in engine or radih yea,now the "new" key works fine. Just a fluke or indicitive of a pending problem? Any thoughts or ideas? I Think the starter solonoid may be going out,or at least I am not wanting to trust it now.Thanks

 

[WhalePirot]

Welcome, neighbor.

UR sure the 'spike' is tied to the slowdown? Does it do it everytime?

 

[jmccloud]

Fluke

Bought a '95 two+ years ago and experienced similar dash and starting symptoms. Then got a 'SYS' message when accelerating. Battery went dead when the doors were open for 1/2 hour or so (fixing DIC).
Discovered the battery was original. Replaced it, cleaned +12v and ground wires (both ends) and no more blinking, SYS, non-start, quick battery drains.
Check the battery and wires. Lots more info on this forum re battery replacement method if you need it (it's easier that it looks).

 

[unknown1]

Hi all thanks for the help. One of you is a neighbor the other is in Maryland. I "grew"up in Northern Va,DC. Long time gone... Back to the problem. Run it last night. No problems.... Was told when I got the car that batt was "new". My son says it is not the factory size,but is a DELCO"for what thats worth. Did find over the winter that the batt cables were loose. Tightened them,but will go back and look again. Also was told in another forum that my alt is charging too high. 14.8 at start up,droping to 14.3 while driving. Guss I should get under it and see what the conections at the starter are like,will also check the alt.Clean and tight,what are we talking about here....Thanks again for your imput. As of yet the only light/messages are on the LTPWS. Have the factory manuals, so Ill check them also.Thanks again!

 

[jmccloud]

Voltage and cables

14.8/14.3 is easily within normal. Often overlooked is the frame end of the ground wire (the minus of the minus). It's just as important as the other three ends. Be sure to check it. Glad to help (hope it does help anyway).