My auto FD was having trouble starting this morning, (I hadn't driven it in over a week). It would turn over but it wouldn't start. I did this like 3 times and it finally started.

bam. i drive like 50 miles to work and when i got off work i tried to start it and it would just keep turning over and not firing. it would click, when i turned the key , but it just wouldn't fire.

What could it be? My spark plugs were changed probably like 4,000 miles ago, the battery works, the car just doesn't turn over ... Is there a possible list of diagnostics i could do since, i need to drive back over there tomorrow and its a pretty long drive.

 

starter might be bad, try banging on it with a hammer or something long if doing it from the top, might be able to free it up if the bindings are stuck. if you or someone you know is mechanically inclined you could try to jump the starter at the solenoid to see if that is the problem, you can get to that from the top. if it still doesnt turn then you know the starter is bad, if it does, then you have another problem like a bad relay.

 

if it just clicks and the starter doesn't even try to turn, then look at the solenoid and make sure the black wire is connected to the terminal that is sticking up from it. I had the exact same problem after I changed my plugs. I got back in to start it and "click". Took another look and the wire was very loose on the terminal after I put it back on, I had to tighten it with pliers slightly to make it secure.

 

Uh.....you are contradicting yourself here a little.

DOES the car "turn over", meaning the engine is actually rotating when you turn the key?

If not, then this is a fairly common problem associated with the ignition switch. The bad thing if it IS the switch is they are about $350 to replace. I (and a lot of others) have gone to a push button starter that eliminates this problem.

Do a search for 'push-button starters' and see if it comes up with something. If not, reply back and I can give you some more info.

If the car is actually "turning over" and not firing at all....you have much bigger issues.

 

When I turn the ignition, the car tries to start, but it doesn't catch on. It turns over but, it just keeps doing that.

Its not firing

and i was just about to sell this car too

 

I would start with the basics then.....making sure you are getting fuel and spark. It SOUNDS to me like you have a bad fuel pump. IF you are getting a good "fat" spark (easy to check by pulling a plug lead off a spark plug and allowing it to jump to a ground) then I would have to assume you are having fuel pressure problems.