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Car Wont Start!! HELP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Funhog
  • Start date Start date Apr 9, 2005

Funhog

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
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Alabama
Apr 9, 2005
#1
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #1
I went to start my car last night and it wont start. The headlights work and I can hear the fuel pump. There is a clicking noise from the side that the battery is on. Ill turn the key, the fuel pump will go and a "click", I let go of the key and it "clicks" again. I tried to jump it and that wasnt it. The pulleys arent turning at all, but I do not think anything is locked up. I think it is either the starter, the alternator, or the ecu. It could be the celluloid (or however you spell it) isnt connecting. Like it is engaging but not executing. Does anyone have any ideas. Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks.

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shootme5150

New Member
Jul 12, 2003
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Denver
Apr 9, 2005
#2
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #2
sounds like your starter. The click you're hearing is the solenoid firing, but the starter isn't spinning. Check all of your wiring as well, loose wiring can reduce the current going to the starter, preventing it from spinning.
 

bluevenom867

I will have images of molesting stuffed animals in
Dec 15, 2003
1,704
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St.Petersburg,FL
Apr 9, 2005
#3
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #3
I would check your solinoid.Take a screw driver and put it across the two post and see if it turn over (make sure the car is in netraul or park,e-brake on).If not,get a rubber mallet and lightly hit the starter,also examine the starter wire while your there for breaks.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
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129
Apr 9, 2005
#4
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #4
check the battery connections. if they are bad, even getting a jump will not help.

good luck.
 

Funhog

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
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Alabama
Apr 9, 2005
#5
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #5
thanks everyone..looks like i got a few things to look for
 

jrichker

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Apr 9, 2005
#6
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #6
Here's a checklist:

Since some of the tests will bypass the safety interlocks, make sure that the car is in neutral and the parking brake is set. Becoming a pancake isn’t part of the repair process…

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.
See http://www.fluke.com/application_notes/automotive/circuit.asp?AGID=1&SID=103 for help


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). Then jump between the screw and 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. See http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80195963.gif for 88-90 year cars .OR see http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/gif/large/0900823d80195964.gif for 91-93 year cars. See http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/1d/db/3c/0900823d801ddb3c.jsp for 94-95 model cars.

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.
 

ram360

Founding Member
Oct 19, 2002
2,162
1
59
Pennsylvania
Apr 9, 2005
#7
  • Apr 9, 2005
  • #7
Your battery cables could be bad too. Might try replacing them if nothing else works.
 
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