starting problems

[tonytony]

the starter was working fine no hint at a problem at all, but when I went to safeway and came back out it wouldn't even turn over, there was a click I tried a few more times and the click went away. Nothing. The electrical was fine the radio worked, everything was fine but it wouldnt' turn over. What could it be besides the starter, starter relays? please help my babe is stranded at safeway.

[DaN]

Try giving it a jump, most likely it's a battery problem. It's possible to run all your accessories, but not have enough amperage to crank the engine.

If it won't start after jumping, then its probably a starter problem.
Once you do get it started, have the charging system load tested, along with the battery.

[Jordan]

I checked the battery, it read out fine. Its fully charged. Also swaped out several relays for known good ones.

The relays click when you go to turn it over, but the starter and solinoid are quiet. Picked him up a used starter, going to install it this weekend.

[DaN]

How are the connections at the starter?
I went to start my car once and it wouldnt crank, after about 5 minutes I realized one of the wires on the solenoid was loose.

Maybe try giving 12v to the solenoid to verify that the starter is burnt, or that the solenoid is inoperative.

Make sure it's bad before you pull it out. 8)

[Spaz]

that sounds like contacts that are internal on the starter. have you tried hitting it with a hammer??? that sometimes will help it. from what you both describe its going to be a
starter. there is nothing else that it could be. keep me updated i want to know if you guys fixed it.

hope that helps

[Jordan]

The connections are the starter/soliniod are solid, and clean. They are also getting 12v.

[Spaz]

welll if your getting 12 down the fat wire, and then 12 down the skinny wire when he clicks the key to start then you know you got your self a bad starter.

hope that helps

[Jordan]

I only check the big fatty wire, i was unable to twist my wrist just right to check the small one.

[Spaz]

hehe, yah its might tight down there, thats why it pays to be a small guy some times....LOL, well you only need to probe the wire with a test light, and if it lights up then you know you got a bad starter.

i know you can do it luke. the force is strong with this one!

[Jordan]

All fixed. Had another look at it this evening, and I had him crank it while I wiggled connections. the + terminal on the bettery was corroded and lose. I took it off, cleaned it off a bit, hammered it back on, tightened the bolt (botl and clamp had seen better days) then it started right up.

case closed.

[tonytony]

well jordan and I went back to try to push start it but before that he checked the battery once again and to my surprise it was the battery the whole time!!! it had a loose connection, so jordan tightened it up and I was on he road again. thanks Jordan!!!

[HowzeR]

happened to me

Same thing happened to me, puzzle me to death, was the positive cable came loose, no idea how though.