I've checked my alternator, my battery, my fuses, spark pugs and wires, all are good my car still wont start.

Question

Could anyone help me out? I'm in a real bad way here. I don't have a lot of money (college student) but I NEED my car. If it isn't any of the things I've listed above, what could it be, and how could I fix it? Thanks!

The car is a 1995 Ford Escort LX with the 1.9 liter engine. I drove it to the bank one day and when I came back to start it, it wouldn't start. I had someone jump it there for me. I drove it about 1.5 miles (3/4 the way back to my house), when it just died, while running. I called a roommate who drove to me and jumped it again, so that I could drive it home, and that is where it has stayed. I know it isn't the battery, because it was purchased in July. The fuses and spark plugs are either new (the plugs) or I checked them (the fuses). The spark plug wires are brand new, and I checked the alternator at Autozone, which said it was fine. This is where I stand. I get no sound when I turn the key, nothing. There is no click, no roar, nothing. Before this, the car started perfectly every time. The lights are also dead, as is the radio, so it is definately an electrical problem. Any ideas? Thanks guys!

Answer 1

did you replace the alternator ? if so did you forget a wire there should 1 by itself and 2 together. if you did not hook them all up your not getting enough juice to the switch.

if it goes rur rur rur check your spark, check for fuel (pull the line off the pressure regulator and turn the key) also it may be possible your crankshaft sensor is bad.

or your ignition switch is afu

Answer 2

Next check:
The starter motor is good. Do you hear click click? The solenoid is good, but the starter motor isn't.
2. Do you hear nothing? The solenoid is bad. You can "jump" the solenoid with a piece of wire or metal or screw driver. REMOVE little wire on soleniod. Connect fat red wire to little bare exposed terminal for 2 seconds. CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PARK, please.
3. do you have gasoline? If yes, is the carburator full of gas?
4. Do you have more modern fuel injection problems?

5. CRAZY STUFF: moisture has found its way under your distributor cap? Your "contact points" have slipped too close together. Spark plugs are black and oily = fouled.

OK I'M BACK: with more ideas:
6. There isn't enough water in your battery. It evaporated over the winter in the dry air. It won't HOLD a charge.
7. The negative battery cable is loose. It must be very tight on the battery to receive a charge from the alternator. And to play the radio and lights.
8.One possiblility is the A/C relay draining your battery fast. Test this idea by locating the clutch wire on the A/C compressor, and disconnecting it.
9.Your ignition switch is 11 years old. The key has worn down the tiny springs and contact points inside. As you drive, there is a short that acts like you turned the key OFF, but you didn't. NOW when you try to start the car, the little contact points are just not connecting when the key turns.
Does the interior clock still work? The key has nothing to do with that... so the good battery is doing its job somewhere.
10. I'm scraping the barrel for ideas now...sorry.

Answer 3

"won't start" is really vague. It could be over a hundred possibilities. You need to narrow down the troubleshooting options.

Could you add a little more information to your next question.

1) Year, make, model.
2) What exactly happens when you turn the key?
ie: engine turns, but won't start? Only clicks? Does nothing? Makes funny noises?, backfires?, starts and dies?
3) What happened before it wouldn't start. Just died while driving? Ran fine before, but just won't after you parked it?

Answer 4

If it just clicks, your starter is probably bad.

If it turns over but does not actually start (the rur rur rur sound) then the car is not getting fuel or spark. That usually indicates either out of fuel, fuel filter is clogged, or the fuel pump is bad. Or the ignition system is bad.

Also, if it's an automatic, make sure it's in park before you try to start it. Seriously...people have done it.

Answer 5

LoL have you plugged the stuff you unplugged back in? Call a mechanic they won't charge you for a call but they might be able to give you some more info. What kind of car is it?

Answer 6

examine the battery connections and if it has a 2nd lead coming off of the adverse publish on the battery, carry on with it and make advantageous the different end is expounded suited. it often is going to the engine block.

Answer 7

Could be a timing belt. It caused my car to die and not start. Also one time, I accidentally hit a kill switch on my car which was located in the trunk. I didn't know it was there and it wouldn't allow me to start up my car.

Answer 8

are you gettinf fuel to the injectors?you could check that out,and if your not,then check the gas filter.it might not be electrical,it might be fuel problems.

Answer 9

depends on if your car has a carborator...? check the starter, fuel pump, and if your car isn't fuel injected then check the carborator.

Answer 10

Check your fuel filter, fuel line, and fuel level.