Okay, this morning I blew a tire driving so I went to belle tire and got 4 new ones. I drive there, the car was fine, when I went to leave, the car would not start, the starter didn't even try. So, I had them jump the starter, which worked. I drove home and drove my parts truck to school. What can I be looking for tonight when I get home as a cause for the car not starting? It isn't a battery issue, I thought it maybe the starter until jumping it worked, but I'm afraid it's a connection issue. Any ideas?

 

Not pointing any fingers or anything, but sounds like they're trying to get more money out of you >.> Just check connections to battery and to starter.

 

I checked the connections briefly, they visually look OK, but it's dark and the flashlight isn't doing things justice. Worst of all, my damn driver side tire is FLAT!! I just had these replaced UGH. I think the rim is effed. If I put fix-a-flat in it, will that seal the trouble spot?

 

depends on how much the rim is bent.

as far as the start issues, check electrical grounds n such. make sure all the connections to the starter look good.

 

Need some more details here.

"the starter didn't even try."

What does this mean? What was the car doing? When you turned the key did the engine crank slowly or not at all? Did you have electrical power?

 

I sit in car.. I press clutch in, twist key to "start", lights come on (the brake warning light because of a ground), I hear a faint click somewhere and that's the end of it.

 

Turn your headlights on... Have someone watch them when you try to crank the car (Turn the key to start)

Do the headlights get really dim?

Report back.

 

The lights do not dim at all

 

All I hear is a relay clicking somewhere.. I'm royally confused

 

Dont use fix a flat, doesn't last forever. Try some soapy water in a spray bottle and look for bubbles around the valve stem and bead seal. Make sure your grounds and everything is tight. A slightly loose battery connection makes my relay click. Once tight i dont get anymore clicks. Good luck!

 

The battery is on there as tight as I can get it. That was the first thing I checked this morning, I went under the car and wiggled the starter connectors. Still nada. I'm worried that this after market security system the previous owner installed is the villain, sadly, I am reading through the wiring diagrams and I can't get a good image of how the ignition system is wired in. Is there an easier way?

 

if you find the fix to your problem please postback letting us know how since my car is doing the same thing. The only difference is that the problem started after i replaced my clutch. good luck and i hope you get it fixed soon

 

Well, as I said, there is an aftermarket security system in the car that I had no clue existed, I saw a little black box under the dash with a loose connector, so I tightened it and it worked. So, I need to figure out how to bypass it

 

You've got power but none or not enough of it is getting to the starter. Maybe it's the aftermarket alarm.

I would:

- one at a time, disconnect each terminal of the battery and scrub it and the post with steel wool. Get them all shiny or at least clean.

- disconnect the + lead from the alternator and scrub it clean with the same steel wool, then clean the + post it was connected to. We're not talking about the plug on the back.




- disconnect the negative lead on the battery, jack up the car and then crawl under to the starter. Remove the starter - this will leave one wire hanging free. Grab your steel wool again and clean its ring connector. Now look at the starter - it's grounded to itself. Disconnect that ground wire and clean it. Now look at the two posts and the one tab and clean them (very gently) if they need it. Put everything back together.


I'd also try to identify the brand of the alarm and then look in the yellow pages for local shops that sell it. Call them and ask them either if they'll show you how it works or if they'll come and either disable or remove it for you...

 

Dude if you can take off the after market alarm do it !!

it doesn't do any good. i had one on from the previous owner and i had so much starting problems, alarm would go off by it self and battery discharged.

If the wiring gets too complicated, just look for the small box and close to it should be two fuses for the alarm take it off!

Use the old fashion classic KEYED ENTRY.

goodluck