Help Car Wont' Start
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Help Car Wont' Start ok guys my car is acting strangely this morning I went to start my car and it would start there is battery power and everything i just don't hear the starter click at all it has done this to me three times in the last two weeks this is in the morning when it is really cold about 20 degrees after a while when it get hot about 50 degrees i go back to start it and it starts fine.I replaced the ignition and starter relay and it still does it.I am thinking it may be the starter but i am not quite sure.and input wil be very appreciated thanks
It could be the starter solenoid. If there is no click, it means there is either insufficient power getting to the solenoid, or the solenoid is bad. If you can get to the solenoid connection at the starter, check it with a voltmeter between the solenoid terminal and ground. You can use a clip-type connection and a long lead so that you can have the meter in your hand when you turn the ignition key. If you're getting a solid voltage (usually 10 volts or more), you can figure it's probably the solenoid - the solenoid and starter are usually replaced as a unit.
If you're not getting voltage, also check your neutral start switch, since it can cause the same problem (clutch switch on a manual).
Also be sure you're not losing power when you rotate the key to Start. Sometimes the battery terminals will be corroded in a way that the connection will fail under load (like when you're trying to crank the engine), but seem to be OK otherwise. You'll usually notice that you lose power everywhere else when you turn the key to Start, but often low-load power will return when you allow the key to rotate back from Start. If in doubt, check and clean the battery terminals.
Good luck! I hate those intermittent problems. Right when you start checking things, they go away!
If you're not getting voltage, also check your neutral start switch, since it can cause the same problem (clutch switch on a manual).
Also be sure you're not losing power when you rotate the key to Start. Sometimes the battery terminals will be corroded in a way that the connection will fail under load (like when you're trying to crank the engine), but seem to be OK otherwise. You'll usually notice that you lose power everywhere else when you turn the key to Start, but often low-load power will return when you allow the key to rotate back from Start. If in doubt, check and clean the battery terminals.
Good luck! I hate those intermittent problems. Right when you start checking things, they go away!
12 Second Club
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, Missouri
Originally Posted by 30th droptop
It could be the starter solenoid. If there is no click, it means there is either insufficient power getting to the solenoid, or the solenoid is bad. If you can get to the solenoid connection at the starter, check it with a voltmeter between the solenoid terminal and ground. You can use a clip-type connection and a long lead so that you can have the meter in your hand when you turn the ignition key. If you're getting a solid voltage (usually 10 volts or more), you can figure it's probably the solenoid - the solenoid and starter are usually replaced as a unit.
If you're not getting voltage, also check your neutral start switch, since it can cause the same problem (clutch switch on a manual).
Also be sure you're not losing power when you rotate the key to Start. Sometimes the battery terminals will be corroded in a way that the connection will fail under load (like when you're trying to crank the engine), but seem to be OK otherwise. You'll usually notice that you lose power everywhere else when you turn the key to Start, but often low-load power will return when you allow the key to rotate back from Start. If in doubt, check and clean the battery terminals.
Good luck! I hate those intermittent problems. Right when you start checking things, they go away!
If you're not getting voltage, also check your neutral start switch, since it can cause the same problem (clutch switch on a manual).
Also be sure you're not losing power when you rotate the key to Start. Sometimes the battery terminals will be corroded in a way that the connection will fail under load (like when you're trying to crank the engine), but seem to be OK otherwise. You'll usually notice that you lose power everywhere else when you turn the key to Start, but often low-load power will return when you allow the key to rotate back from Start. If in doubt, check and clean the battery terminals.
Good luck! I hate those intermittent problems. Right when you start checking things, they go away!
