Dead engine!?

[punishercb]

I was wondering if anybody might have an idea of what my problem is. My friends and I were ridin around town and stopped by a store. We were in there for no more than 30 mins. I came back outside and tried to start my car and it wouldn't turn over. All the accessories turned on but the starter wouldn't even turn over. I tried it over and over but still no start. Then I waited for about 2 min. and tried again and it fired right up and ran like a champ. What would cause the engine to go dead like that? It felt just like the battery was dead as a doornail but it was working just fine! Also, the starter was just replaced.

any ideas?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

3 things. A new starter may not always be the absolute fix. New stands for never ever worked before. Possible solenoid on starter. 2 Clutch switch could be going open circuit once in a while. 3 Ignition switch. I very seldom see the switches go. Most common is starter solenoid. Weak batteries kill solenoids very quickly due to low volt and hi current draw. Take care

 

[rowlex]

could possibly also be a bad connection at your battery...after you check old mitsu tech's advice clean your battery terminals.

 

[Vallary99]

3 things. A new starter may not always be the absolute fix. New stands for never ever worked before. Possible solenoid on starter. 2 Clutch switch could be going open circuit once in a while. 3 Ignition switch. I very seldom see the switches go. Most common is starter solenoid. Weak batteries kill solenoids very quickly due to low volt and hi current draw. Take care

I have the same problem and I've narrowed it down to the ignition switch or starter solenoid. So, I have to agree with Mitsu Tech.

 

[BlueTurboSpyder]

Clean your battery terminals, tighten them down, and see if that helps. Had the same problem and that fixed it.

 

[RogueTalon95]

Had the same thing happen with my daily driver, battery cable was loose. make sure they are tight and clean.

Paul

 

[punishercb]

Alright guys, thanks very much for the help. I really am stumped on what it could be. So what would be the best way to check and see what the problem is? Let's see, the car did it again tonight. It wouldn't turn over so after 5 mins of checking for anything loose, I just shifted the tranny through it's gears and reverse for the hell of it and the car turned right over after that. I also have the safety clutch switch unhooked. I can't remember what it's really called but it lets me start the engine without having the clutch pushed in. I don't know if that matter's but I thought I'd mention it. The car has 155,000 miles on it so I think it's just wear and tear but I have no idea what to replace or even check.

thanks again all, I really appreciate it.
chris

 

[hks_97gst]

I'm having the same problem, it just wont start but then an hour later and it starts and runs good for a week. i thought it was my ecu but its not so I'm at the same point you are, I'm wondering if its an ignition switch or starter solenoid. but Ive tried everything i can think of so now its in the shop and hopefully ill be finding out what it is in the next couple hours, so ill let you know if we find it.

 

[thechad]

I would bet monjey its the starter solenoid. Ususally if its running and then wont start and then eventually starts back up it tits the solenoid not hittin. I would check that first.

 

[dsm42788]

believe it or not i had the same problem(car not starting and then have no problems with it for a week) and it turned out to be altenator. Does your battery have low voltage? if it does you either have a dead battery or a bad altenator. this could very well NOT be your problem but you sound like your stumped. just throwing out ideas. good luck.

 

[punishercb]

believe it or not i had the same problem(car not starting and then have no problems with it for a week) and it turned out to be altenator. Does your battery have low voltage? if it does you either have a dead battery or a bad altenator. this could very well NOT be your problem but you sound like your stumped. just throwing out ideas. good luck.

I don't think that's it, my accessories worked just fine and the low voltage light didn't come one.

About the ingnition switch, where is that located? Is there a way I can test to see if it's bad?

 

[hks_97gst]

well after leaving my car there all night it was still starting fine but then they finally reduplicated the problem. and it had to much resistance in one of the power supply wires and ill find out more one i get a ride down there to pick it up!

 

[punishercb]

Okay, update all. My check engine light came on and it threw a code P0335. The scanner said it's a crankshaft sensor circuit failure. I think that's what it said, i'm in a lab so I don't remember exactly. Anyways, I looked up the code in my manual and it's not there. Anybody have any suggestions on what to do? Should I replace the whole sensor or try cleaning it?

 

[LTUSPE]

Here's your problem. The starter solenoid "trigger wire" isn't making a good connection at the solenoid. Disconnect the wire and use some emerycloth to sand it down to clean metal. Put a little dielectric grease on the terminal and clip the wire back on. It's throwing a code because the ECU thinks you're cranking the engine but it's not seeing a crank signal. I had the same problem.

-Justin
99GSX