I am frustrated as heck, because I really want to fix my friends car. I took the starter in and they said it was bad, so I got a used one at a junk yard that I had tested... it was fine. I put that one in, but it still wont turn over. the dash lights come on, but nothing. The electrical line looks a little worn that connects to the solnoid. is there a fuse that goes to that maybe? What are all the possiblities it could be? I'm going to try charging the battery... but give me some suggestions so I havent wasted all this time. She really doesnt have money for a car mechanic.
2007-03-05 17:37:17 · 10 answers · asked by phantomknightlad 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Does she drive the same car as every one else? Can't tell you were something is if you don't tell us what kind of car it is.
2007-03-05 17:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just get yourself a 12volt tester and start testing all the components..start with the starter solonoid ....when she turns the key it should register atleast 11.8 volts and more..then try the starter wires..you say it won't turn over so that means there are very few things that can be causing that..if all the stuff tests good then put the car in reverse and rock it back and forth the fly-wheel may be stuck in what is called a "half tooth" position ..put the car in nutral and roll it foward a few feet and then slam it in gear ..also remove the ground from the body of the car and clean it off properly and also do the same for the one on the starter and transmission..and last off if the car is a newer model the transmission position sensor may be gone so the car may think it's in gear and will not start..so diconnect the sensor on the transmission and it will automaticaly go into default mode and you should be able to start it if this is the problem..good luck
2007-03-06 01:58:43 · answer #2 · answered by rcbrokebones 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a quick test of the battery -- turn on some small lights, like interior lights. Now try the starter. If they get really, really dim, suspect the battery. Also you are right to suspect the cables. They handle a LOT of current and should be in good shape. Pay special attention to the terminals at both ends. Clean and no corrosion and well tightened.
When you try the starter, there should be a good "clunk" as the solenoid tries to engage the starter gear with the engine. Failing that, you have no amps there.
Give the battery a good charge. Check the date on it, BTW. I had a chem teacher in HS who told me that the age of batteries is the best chemistry in the world. A 36 month battery can be expected to become a boat anchor in its 37th month. And, if you are in cold country, more so. There should be a clear date on the battery. Check for that.
Further, anybody that helps out a lady with her car problems to save her a couple of bucks is a seriously good fella.
2007-03-06 01:53:28 · answer #3 · answered by ZORCH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what type of vehicle is it, some vehicles have a fusible link running to the starter from the battery (in line on the battery cable) and some of them have a habbit of burning out. There are many possibilties, I would start by checking everything before replacing any more parts. Then if you still can't figure it out, check some online forums about that vehicle and see if any patturn failures show. If nothing then do the shot gun methond, pick a part, replace it, if it works good, if not, pick something else. Sometimes paying a technician an hours diagnosis time can save you hundreds in the long run, I have seen this over and over again. Start simple, and work harder, then start cheap, and work pricier, if you don't want it diagnosed, thats my opinion.
2007-03-06 01:49:51 · answer #4 · answered by gregthomasparke 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Charge the battery. If the car starts, disconnet the power lead. if the car stops then more than likely its the alternator. The alternator is what powers the car after the inital start from the battery. it also charges the battery as needed while the engine is running. If you dont feel safe disconnecting the battery, just wait about 5 mins after the car is started and if the car stops then the problem is the alternator.
2007-03-06 01:49:49 · answer #5 · answered by Felipe S 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It could be as simple as something not being grounded properly. I suggest replacing the inexpensive parts, such as the solenoid, and then clean off the battery terminals and possibly replace the battery cables. Do you hear the starter engaging? If the starter engages the flywheel then move on to spark plugs & wires, etc...
2007-03-06 01:43:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anomaly 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would start with charging the battery, and yes some cars have a fuseable link in the positive cable... but if you get lights then your getting power. It sounds like the battery.
2007-03-06 02:44:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the spark plugs, starter solenoid, and the fuel pump. Definitely charge the battery.
2007-03-06 01:41:56 · answer #8 · answered by Matthew D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check the crank sensor!
2007-03-06 01:45:03 · answer #9 · answered by cherbear12185 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what car is it??
2007-03-06 04:10:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋