What's wrong with my car and can I fix it myself?

Question

I will try to start it, the ignition turns over with no sound ,there is still power from the battery. A friend of mine "sparked the cellinoid" and something clicked and the car started right up. A few days later the car won't start again. what can it be?

Answer 1

sure you can if you are mechanically inclined...otherwise don't start your education repairing your own car. it can get expensive... from what you say it sounds like the solinoid on the starter might be sticking or not getting 12 volts to it when you turn the key to start...with a helper turning the key, you must check to see if you are getting 12 volts to the solinoid. if you are and the connection seems to be good then the solinoid is the culprit it either works or it doesn't (you'll hear it clicking or you won't)..sometimes after you supply 12 volts to it and it doesn't work, a tap, hit or rap is enough to jar the contacts completing the circuit and causing it to work again. or the solinoid may be worn to the point that friction prohibits it from working as it should. again tapping it could start it to working (temporariily) the cure is a new solinoid... you didn't say what kind of car and as you know they are quite different from one another. some, the starter solinoid is easily accessable, while others are a total nightmare, i hope this helps, good luck.

Answer 2

Use a 12 volt test light. Touch it to the small wire going to the solenoid on the starter. Have someone turn the key to start. If the test light lights up and the solenoid doesn't engage, replace the starter solenoid and or the starter. If it doesn't light up, its probably the ignition switch. Master tech 40 yrs.

Answer 3

Sounds like it could be a bad solenoid if your Friend jumped the solenoid with a screwdriver (Shade-tree he he) could also be a starter relay .... I would pick up a Chilton's or Haynes shop manual for your vehicle this will help you find where your solenoid is located their not always on the starter also if their is a starter relay it should show you where it is also.

Please buy a manual if you plan to keep this car it will save you so much time and headaches.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Change your starter/solenoid. you can do it.. !!!!, it should be a couple of bolts holding it in place and the positive will be the largest connection with a few wires attached to it along with posi battery cable (red) and the black will the the ground. Just remember to bring in the old starter for the core charge refund. and if that isn't in your midst than treat it like a russian car and bang the starter/solenoid, it should start.

Answer 5

depends on what car it is, but your starter solenoid is probably bad. on fords they are usually located on the fender near the battery, on gm's they are located on the starter and would have to replace the starter. if its a ford you can just replace the solenoid, shouldnt be too expensive. make sure u disconnect the battery before you even TOUCH the thing. by him "sparking the solenoid" he just bypassed the solenoid.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Sounds like your starter solenoid is shot and should be replaced. Now from your description above, I would strongly suggest you take your car to someone who is familiar with cars to get it fixed. It shouldn't cost you too much.