Car won't start, warning lights don't even turn on, but lights do`

[RedTurboEclipse]

so i go to start my car and it doesnt.. the battery is fine.. i have gone through batteries dying so i usually know what to look for.. this is different situation because the interior lights, headlights, emergency lights can be turned on.. but when turning the key to the on/accessories position.. nothing.. and it wont crank or anything... none of the lights on the cluster even go on.. i dont know where to begin

 

[GotTurbo11]

Your battery terminals are loose and or corroded a bit.

Take them off, clean up the posts with some sandpaper, clean/replace the terminals.
Maybe put some protectant on after you have done this.


Usually what happends is you have a good enough connection to get some power to accesories, but when you go to start the car, the connection between posts and terminals is not good enough.

If thats not it, check the power to the starter, and all your grounds off the battery.

 

[S_Ranger]

Exactly, your terminals are making just enough contact to power your accessories. Make sure your ground is screwed in nice and tight. Lift the tabs on the battery and see if there is any fluid in the holes. Also, this was a problem for me, but the safety button underneath the clutch pedal wasn't engaging, so everytime I tried to start it, it wouldn't. So do the no step on the clutch to start mod, :

"Step 10: Unplug Clutch Switch
Under the dash on the clutch pedal assembly, there is a switch that will only allow the car to be turned on if the clutch is pushed in. Just unplug this so that you can start the car without touching the clutch, it's better for the thrust bearing. The plug is on the front side of the clutch pedal assembly, so that it is only pressed when the clutch is all the way in."

Try this and let us know what's up. Here's a picture for a quick reference:

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[RedTurboEclipse]

how do i check the power to the starter? i already have the no clutch switch mod done a while back..

i don't hear any sound from the car even when i put the car in the on position.. none of the cluster lights turn on, doesnt even try to crank.. nothing.. as if it was dead.. but the headlights, interior lights all work like normal.. i even hooked up jumper cables to the battery just to make sure it was nothing to do with the battery.. my terminals are good and there is nothing wrong with the battery.. i will keep checking and try what is suggested..

 

[S_Ranger]

To check power for the starter follow the + cable down. It shouldn't be too far down and you can reach it with your hand. Check to see if the bolt that makes the connection so is nice and tight. Also, try push starting the car, if that works then you have a bad starter. Again, check all connections before we assume a faulty starter.

 

[RedTurboEclipse]

i found the problem.. the fuse for the starter/ign was blown.. i just got some foil and it works.. looks like im gonna have to get a new fuse..

thanks for the quick reply guys..

it really narrowed down my searching..

 

[S_Ranger]

Ah! That happened to me before, I'm glad you found it! Any rep points for us?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Ok guys. Electrical 101 Please go buy a decent digital multimeter. It's your eyes and ears into the electrical world. Most can be had for around fifty dollars. Cheap investment if you work on cars at all. You don't need a Fluke 88 or anything like that.

Whenever I answer a thread I always ask for a dmm reading at whatever circuit happens to be giving problems.

Better get a proper fuse or the wiring may fry trying to save that aluminum foil.

Good Luck