Car won't crank. Need some advice before I talk to mechanic.

[search4aztlan]

background:
I've been having some slight problems with my '94 5.0. It seems it's been taking a little extra time to start up after it's been running for a while. These past few weeks i noticed a little bit of smoke come from the left edge of the hood a few times when cranking and not starting for a few seconds. This alarmed me and I planned on taking it to the mechanic this weekend, when I had time. I've also noticed the battery gauge bounce when I apply the brakes or when the turn signals are on. What kind of electrical problem can this be.

today:
I drove home from school (20 mins), got home and got ready for work. I go to leave about 20 minutes after getting home and try to start my car up. It cranked for about .5 sec and just died. Now it doesn't crank. What could be the cause of this? Could it be just the battery or is it something else such as the starter or alternator. Sorry for the long message. I just didn't want to leave any info out.

Anyone in the Orlando, FL area recommend a mechanic. I'm looking to take it to Wrench Connection over on 7200 S Orange Ave.

 

[90mustangGT]

Most definatly a battery problem. It is probally low on electrolite or has an internal short. I am suprised it hasn't exploded yet, if it does, underhood paint will be destroyed, so go take care of that. I would get a battery somewhere where they are nationwide, so if it goes bad, you can return it. Everyone knows batteries like belts and hoses, like to give out in the worse times and places.

Now weather the battery is the only problem is the question. A bad alternator can fry the battery, even a starter can get a short and overwork the battery shortening it's life. These can't be tested accuratly until the battery is fixed first.

 

[jrichker]

Here's a checklist:

Check battery, terminal connections, ground, starter relay switch (also known as solenoid) and starter in that order.

A voltmeter is handy if you are familiar with how to use it to find bad connections. Measure the voltage drop across a connection: more than .5 volts across a connection indicates a problem.

1.) Will the car start if it is jumped? Then clean battery terminals and check battery.

2.) Check the battery to engine block ground, and the ground behind the engine to the firewall.

3.) Then pull the small push on connector (red wire) off the starter relay (Looks like it is stuck on a screw) and jump it to the terminal that is connected to the battery. If it starts, the relay is good and your problem is in the rest of the circuit.

4.) Remember to check the ignition switch, neutral safety switch on auto trans and the clutch safety switch on manual trans cars. If they are good, then the relay is bad.

5.) Jump the big terminals on the starter relay next to the battery with a screwdriver - watch out for the sparks! If the engine cranks, the starter and power wiring is good. The starter relay is also known as a starter solenoid.

6.) The starter may be hung, loosen up the bolts that hold it on, and give it a good whack with a big hammer. Tighten up the bolts and try again.

7.) If that doesn't work, use a jumper cable from the positive lead on the battery direct to the starter post where the big wire from the relay connects. If it cranks then, it is the power wire from the relay gone bad. This will be hard to do, since there isn't much room to do it.

8.) Pull the starter and take it to Autozone or Pep Boys and have them test it. Starter fails test, then replace it. If you got this far, the starter is probably bad.