2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

1988 SE won't start

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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 09:42 AM
  #1  
maxumpower's Avatar
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From: Detroit, Michigan
1988 SE won't start

I started the car yesterday and it was good to go. I'm late for work this morning and it start. I have a security light and i think it won't let me start the car. When you turn the key i hear a click but nothing happens. How do i turn off the security, and does anyone how i can download or just read an owners manual for my SE, Thanks
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 10:11 AM
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The factory security system is disarmed by unlocking the door with the key. The only time the starter is disabled by the factory system is when the security light is blinking once every couple of seconds.

Sounds more like you have a dead battery to me, as there will not be a click when cranking if the factory security system is armed (as well as the system would trigger the minute you turned the key on).
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 11:45 AM
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From: Detroit, Michigan
I hooked up my jump box to it and still nothing happened
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 12:02 PM
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Could be the starter. Get under the car and give the starter a couple of whacks with a hammer (not so hard as to dent the starter!) and then get in and try to start it. Sometimes a bad spot on the armature causes bad contact between itself and the brushes. If it starts, get a new starter.
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 12:12 PM
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and if that doesnt work, check the relay on the drivers side in front of the master cylinder(i think). i forgot which wire it was that u could jump it.
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 02:39 PM
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and when you turn the key on, and then to the crank position what does the voltmeter on the dash read???
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 05:19 PM
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From: Detroit, Michigan
it reads 12 volts. I got home from work and the car started right up. I started it again about 3 hours later. It was cold when it didn't start so maybe it's the weather messing with the starter.
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Old Oct 21, 2005 | 09:43 PM
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I have the same year and modle as you so i know what your talking about not saying thies guy's don't but anyway like Icemark said it could be the batterie. but for my kar if the batterie post was the wrong position it wont start you may have to move it around a bit to get it working.
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Old Oct 22, 2005 | 05:39 PM
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Well the POS wouldn't start i smacked the starter and it cranked up. Well there goes another 150 bucks
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Old Oct 22, 2005 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by maxumpower
Well the POS wouldn't start i smacked the starter and it cranked up. Well there goes another 150 bucks
Did you hear the starter solenoid go click when you went to START? I''d invest in a digital voltmeter for 20bucks first and see if I had 12v at the starter solenoids small plug WHEN the key is put to START.

OR I'd go to the starter cut relay near the Main Relay and pull its plug off. Then I'd jumper 12v from the battery to the BLACK/WHITE wire in the plug. The starter should turn over or at least click when you do that. It it turns the engine over, each time you do THAT, then your problem lies elsewhere than the starter.
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