Car Won't Turn over. Making a buzzing sound in dash.

[StrokerMax]

I am reaching out for some help with my no start issue. Sorry I feel like I’m always on here asking for help with my DSM. She’s been a major problem.

Here is some background; I just replaced my throwout bearing a couple of weeks ago. I got the car started after the replacement and let it idle to warm up with no issues but never went out for a test drive due to snow. The next day or two, I went to start the car and it turned over but kept dying. Then moments later it suddenly stopped turning over and now makes a buzzing noise in the dash when I turn the key. The starter is clicking.

Here’s what I’ve done so far:

1) I pulled the starter and had it tested at Orielly’s. The starter is fine.

2) I have a newer Optima red top Battery and have charged it. I let it charge for about an hour this morning before trying to start it. (I have not had my battery tested but I know Optima’s rarely go bad).

3) I jumpered my starter relay. (Hope I did it right. I ran a wire from the black and yellow wire pin to the black and red wire pin).

4) I pulled my battery terminals off and cleaned them with a wire brush.

5) I checked my ECU and didn't notice and leaking capacitors


I’ve found a couple of posts on here of people that had this same problem but no one ever posted the resolution.


What should I do next to troubleshoot? I’m kind of stuck and I’m not really great at electrical work.

Here's a clip of the buzzing noise I'm getting:

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Thank you,

 

[Type1DSMr]

Do you still have the clutch safety switch plugged in? My old gst had a similar problem, can't remember if it was a clicking or buzzing sound it's been a couple of years.

 

[keltalon]

Touch the starter two wire together with a screw driver to see if it turns over, hey I know it not the best way to go about it but at least it will put you in the right direction.

 

[StrokerMax]

Yes my clutch safety switch is still plugged in I believe. Would unplugging it make any difference? OR is there something I need to bypass it?

 

[2gGst98]

Un plugging it will do, then you don't need to push in clutch to start the car. Don't think it would cause that. But it easy to check, Simple un plug that's all.

That sound, it sounds like a relay not closing or just buzzing. I hear it all the time in hvac house furnaces when a relay goes bad on control board. Pull the starter relay under the dash and test it.

 

[pauleyman]

Turn key on. Wait for e u light to ho on then turn off. Do not try to start. Just key on. This isnt a thorough test but a quick and dirty test to see if ecu is working? Also at key off relay should click once after about 5 seconds. Report back.

 

[dave_nz]

Sounds to me like battery ground. I had the same issue and couldn't figure it out. Poor ground will give symptoms like you have..... Did you hook the ground back up to the gearbox when you put it back on?

 

[StrokerMax]

Turn key on. Wait for e u light to ho on then turn off. Do not try to start. Just key on. This isnt a thorough test but a quick and dirty test to see if ecu is working? Also at key off relay should click once after about 5 seconds. Report back.

I tried turning the key to the start position. The Check Engine light comes on and goes back off a few seconds later. That should mean my ECU is working correctly right?

 

[StrokerMax]

Sounds to me like battery ground. I had the same issue and couldn't figure it out. Poor ground will give symptoms like you have..... Did you hook the ground back up to the gearbox when you put it back on?

My battery is in the trunk. I have a ground that goes from my negative battery to metal in the trunk. Then I have another ground from the transmission to the top of the strut tower. I didn't do the battery relo (the cars prior owner did and he did a lot of things wrong. I assumed it was done right because the car has ran fine for the last 4K miles I've put on). I tried sanding the contacts on the ground to the transmission but it didn't help. I guess the next step would be checking the ground in the trunk?

 

[StrokerMax]

Un plugging it will do, then you don't need to push in clutch to start the car. Don't think it would cause that. But it easy to check, Simple un plug that's all.

That sound, it sounds like a relay not closing or just buzzing. I hear it all the time in hvac house furnaces when a relay goes bad on control board. Pull the starter relay under the dash and test it.

I tried pulling the plug on the clutch switch but it didn't change anything. I am pretty sure jumpering the starter relay will bypass the switch (assuming I did it right). I'll have to look into a better way to test the starter relay.

I am pretty sure the buzzing sound is coming from a black box in the dash. I'm not sure what it is. I circled it in this picture

 

[cmehlxl]

My 97 tsi makes that exact same buzzing sound when the key is in the ignition(Any position) AND when I mess with the brake sensor stop on the brake pedal assembly.

Not sure what's causing your issue but that's a distinct sound I've heard from my car. So mess with that sensor. hope it helps.

 

[StrokerMax]

I'm starting to wonder if I didn't charge my Optima battery correctly or something. Maybe the cell died. I'm honestly not sure what else could be the problem. I'll take it in tomorrow and have it tested at the autoparts store.

 

[StrokerMax]

Well, its not my battery. I took it to the auto parts store and they charged it for an hour then tested it... Battery is fine.

Went back home and hooked it up and now its not making the buzzing sound. but now the starter isn't clicking. When I turn the key I just hear my fuel pump. I made sure the relay wire is plugged in (on top of the starter solenoid).

I'm going to bust out the voltmeter tomorrow to check my voltage at the starter solenoid.

What are the chances my problem is a bad ignition switch?

 

[StrokerMax]

Hoping someone can help me out some more with my no start issue.

I replaced my Ignition switch and it did not correct the issue. My battery and starter tested fine at the autoparts store.

I used my multimeter and I'm reading 11V at the starter with the key in the on position.

I feel like this issue has to be related to my starter relay. I jumpered it but it still wont turn over.

Any advice on what to do next?

What other sensors could cause the car to not turn over (Keep in mind my fuel pump is running when I turn the key)?
- Clutch switch
- Starter relay
- Ignition switch

 

[StrokerMax]

Resolved: After a bunch of running around my problem was much more simple than I thought. (Always is)

I rewired a new connector on the end of the starter relay wire (Where is connects to the starter solenoid). It fired up first shot. I disconnected my jumper wire (at the starter relay) and it still started.

It appeared to be making good contact on the starter solenoid but I guess it wasn't. Thank you for everyone's help.