k so i got the s5 alt and got it put in and wired up and it still won't start even when i tried to jump it so i took the starter off and had it tested and its fine. so what else could it be? when i turn the key everything comes on inside the car but when i go to start it it doesn't even so much as make a sound. anybody got any ideas?

 

You're in Missouri, so I think it's safe to rule out stupid-cold winter weather...

Because the engine won't crank, the alternator isn't likely a problem. Starting is a battery thing, keeping it going is an alternator thing.

How many volts are you getting? When the battery is weak, the interior lights and gauges will still light up but the engine will turn over slowly or not at all.

You say it 'still won't start' - what were the conditions that caused it to not start before? Was the battery constantly draining / not holding charge?

 

oh its definitely cold here but when the problem started it was still warm it just stopped starting. we were in town and had just picked up a puppy for our kids and stopped at my wife's friend's dog grooming shop to have her look him over and when we went to leave it wouldn't start. k ill have the battery tested tomorrow but if the battery is fine what should i check next? the ignition switch?

 

Cold weather, eh, it's 15* and will get to 4* overnight. Does the starter even click? If not, check the ign wire going to it. If it does click, check the battery cables, clean both ends of each and their mating surfaces. For some reason, rotaries don't like to jump start, never had figured out why. If the battery is down, charge it or install a fresh one. If all that fails, time to look at the ignition switch.

While you have the cables loose for cleaning, it wouldn't hurt to ohm them. If they don't meet specs, replace them.

 

check the battery to starter positive cable..

that has failed for me on at least 2 rx7s

 

I just had kind of the same problem with my starter, Ended up being the solenoid (sp). The wire had a bad end on it, so I changed it and seems to work fine now. the wire looked ok it just not making a good connection.

Might help ya

 

yeah i was thinkin it might be the solenoid. i know the wire from the battery is good cuz im a dumb *** and forgot to disconnect the battery before i started and my wrench tapped the tranny. which wire is the ignition wire?

 

he means the small wire that connects to the starter solenoid. this wire has +12v with the switch in the "start" position. it energizes the solenoid pushing the bendix out into the ring gear of the flywheel. without this wire connected, nothing happens when the switch is turned to start.

 

That wire came off my car the day i bought it. The spade connector just came unconnected from the starter because of the vibrations.

 

k ill have to have my wife turn the key while i test it. ill let you guys know how that goes. thanks