Need Help. Car does not crank.
 

Hey guys,

I'm looking for suggetions or solutions.

I have recently been having problems starting my car. It seemed like it cad something to do with my clutch. Whenever I turn the key I get proper light up of all lights, but for some reason tmy car doesnt seem to recognize that the clutch is depressed and will not crank on the first try. It usually goes after a couple attempts.

Today it seems like I have a whole new problem. Its the same as above but now no matter how many times I try it will not go. All lights get turned on but no crank. So when I went to give up I went to lock up and my keyless lock did not work. My alarm doesn't even turn on.

Is it possibly a dead battery? If thats the case how do I get my interior lights to work?

FYI I have checked all fuses and all are okay.

Any helpful suggestion are welcome.

Can you hear a solenoid clicking when you turn the key? Can you hear the starter motor spinning (you'll need to listen carefully)?

yup i can hear the "click"

no starter motor i think. what should that sound like?

check the batt terminals. load test the battery

turn on the headlights and beep the horn, if it sounds less than normal, its prob a discharge battery.. but i doubt thats the case.. seems like the starter.. it can click but that doesnt mean its throwing..

get something hard and hit the starter a couple of times

what will hiting the starter do?

and how do i "load test" the battery?

buy a load tester from your local auto store, also you can check the individual cells with a specific gravity checker. i just did a lot of crap with my starter (pulled and reinstalled it about 15+ times, rebuild it about 30 times in 2 days) and have had the same problems you were having. let me know if you have any questions.

theres a drill looking type thing inside the starter with like a little gear at the end that throws itself out to engage the flywheel which will start the car.. sometimes if the starter is going bad, that shaft doesnt move..

i had an old pickup that i used to do that to.. i would be in a shopping mall parking lot and the truck wouldnt start. i would pop the hood and walk over to the engine with a long long screwdriver and some person will walk up to me and say, "gonna tap the starter right?".. lol and im like yeah..

so was it thew starter in your case?


and the starter does not explain why my car alarm in not working now.....any other suggestions?

its probably a combo of both the battery and starter at the same time huh?

yeah, the inside of my starter was increably dirty and greasy!!! in anycase, it could be a combo of both, i suggest take off your starter and take it to checkers or yoru local auto store and have them check it for free. then, while your there, buy the load tester or specific gravity tester and test your battery afterwards. oh yeah, you can have your alternator tested for free as well :)

good luck

oh yeah, be very careful as to not ground your wrench when your taking off the starter. also, jack the rear of your car off the ground just incase you accidently jump the terminal and your tires spin. i almost ran my self over because i was in gear and almost jumpped the starter while the front was on jackstands...
becareful!

thanks for thew advise i will do all of that asap.

How did you "rebuild the starter? is there any inst anywhere?

btw i have to say LOL! while a maybe a good warning and a grusome thought but when someone says they almost RAN THEMSELVES OVER that a funny thought.

Thanks again for the advise.

Just FYI

It was my battery. It had enought power for all lights, accessories, horn, head light, etc... but not enough juice to crank the motor/starter.

And before anyone mentions my alternator being shot, I know its not. Its because I have done the fan mod on my '94 and I forgot to switch it off 3 times already. I guess running those fans with the car off completely KILLS the battery.

a note for DIY guys

take the negitive off the battery!

that is all