all of a sudden my car wont start whats the problem?

Question

well when i went to go get in my 89' buick century i tried to star it and nothin didnt happen at all.All of the lights works fine it also has enough gas but when i try to start it it wont make a noise I just started it yesterday and was driving it so why all of a sudden it messes up can any one give me a good answer my step dad says it might be the starter

Answer 1

Your step dad is probably right (or pretty close).

It could be the starter, it could be the starter solenoid.

What is a starter solenoid? The starter solenoid is a big switch that is turned on by your ignition switch. You see, the switch you put your key into can't handle the current required to start the motor. So the key switch activates a larger switch (the solenoid) which can carry the current needed to start the car. If the solenoid is bad, it isn't closing when you turn the key.

How to diagnose: If you turn the key to start and hear a single click (more than just the key switch inside the car -- this should come from under the hood), then the solenoid is closing. If you then turn off the key, you should hear a second click (again, from under the hood) of the solenoid opening back up. This means the solendoid is probably OK. Next would be the starter...(see below)...but before we go there, there are other possibilities with the solenoid.

If you turn the key and hear a series of clicks or chatters, then there is a high probability the solenoid is bad.

If you turn the key and don't hear anything, it is likely the solenoid is bad. This can also be caused by the cables going to the solenoid being loose or corroded.

Starter:
If you are hearing the single click from the solenoid (indicating it is OK), then it is probably the starter. Could be you've found a 'dead spot'. If a motor is positioned just perfectly, it will not run when electricity is applied. Try to locate the starter and hit it two or three times with a mallet. This usually is enough to get the car started and off to a service shop.

It could also be that either the ground or positive cables have come loose - either at the starter or the solenoid.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

I had a problem with my 02 grand am the other day cost me 450 bux!!!
I heard this problem is common with GM cars anyway what my problem was was the ignition and the spark that connects it or make it start wasn't working or something (I know nothing of cars) but yeah thats what they did but another one i've heard is that its got something to do with the anti theft system and if you turn it too hard and it doesnt start wait 10 minutes then come back and start it ...... but im sure you've already done that but I thought I'd throw in my two cents just incase it helps

Answer 3

try starting the car in neutral - to see if the neutral safety switch is bad, if that doesn't work, Try to jump start the car too (both in park and neutral) - sometimes batteries can fail over night. Also, check to make sure all the battery connections are tight and free of corrosion ... those are the things I'd check if I were there.

Answer 4

Yes it might be the starter, but check the battery first. Also check to see if the connectors are still on the battery. Make sure it's tight.

Answer 5

Could be alot of things including the starter, I suggest taking it to a reputable repair facility for a proper diagnosis rather than just guessing and throwing parts at it hoping for a cheap fix.

Answer 6

it's either the battery or the alternator. If you said the lights are working, I would have the alternator check out by auto advance.

Good Luck!

Ben

Answer 7

Could be a lot of things...you need to troubleshoot....item by item...until you find what is exactly wrong with it.

Answer 8

sounds like it's the starter. step dad's right

Answer 9

maybe the battery is dead try charging it

Answer 10

dead battery?