Got a New Starter...Still Nothing, Car is Dead

[LoW96Rs03]

I tested the battery with a meter and its reading a good 12v. I originally thought it was a starter because it was prevously making a grinding noise just before the car would turn over. Everything electrical like the gauges, lights, radio work. But when I go to crank it, I get absoluely nothing at all as far as trying to turn over the car. It doesnt even make a clicking noise or anything like its even trying to start. I push started it and it cranked right up. So i figured it had to be the starter so I went a bought a new one. What do you know, still the same problem. I tested the ground and power right at the starter and the starter is getting 12v also. Checked fuses and they seem ok. Can anyone help me as far as to what would cause the car to be completely dead? Im thinking it has to be some electrical problem but I don't know? My next guess is the alternator but I never really noticed a lag in electrical power? If its hooked up to a computer at a car shop would it be able to read whats going on? I hate these electrical problems.....O just so you know its a 420a.....thanks

 

[Eclipxor]

There are several things that could be wrong. The grinding noise that you heard before you replaced your starter just means that your solenoid was bad, or wasn't getting enough power. If you had something that at least made noise before and now it has nothings, probably means you installed it wrong. It is easy to mess up though becuase I have changed the starter on my 4g63 and it is one of the most difficult places to reach in the whole engine bay. If you have checked and double checked for errors in your work, it is electrical. I would have it checked out by a mechanic then who can run a diagnosis on it.

 

[LoW96Rs03]

Well on my old starter it still didnt make any grinding noises after it died, i replaced it after the old one made absolutely no noises.. I know for sure that I installed it correctly because ts like the easiest thing to install on a 420a. Its right there i front. Any other ideas?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

Possible clutch switch, or ignition switch.

Take a 12 volt test light and check at your starter the small wire. Have someone try to start the engine while you are holding the light on the small wire. If it lights up, it's the starter/solenoid. If it doesn't, it's a source problem. Therein the problem lies. Assuming the car does not have an alarm system with starter interrupt, I would look at the clutch switch. I don't have my manual, but I think the 420a grounds the starter relay through the clutch switch. Check to see if it is adjusted properly. If it is, check the fuse box under the hood for any burned fuses. If OK, get a schematic and check the wire designated for the starter off the ignition switch. Should have 12 volts to the starter relay which is grounded by the clutch switch which in turns sends power to the starter solenoid which in turn activates the starter.

Hope this helps

 

[tech27]

Possible clutch switch, or ignition switch.

Take a 12 volt test light and check at your starter the small wire. Have someone try to start the engine while you are holding the light on the small wire. If it lights up, it's the starter/solenoid. If it doesn't, it's a source problem. Therein the problem lies. Assuming the car does not have an alarm system with starter interrupt, I would look at the clutch switch. I don't have my manual, but I think the 420a grounds the starter relay through the clutch switch. Check to see if it is adjusted properly. If it is, check the fuse box under the hood for any burned fuses. If OK, get a schematic and check the wire designated for the starter off the ignition switch. Should have 12 volts to the starter relay which is grounded by the clutch switch which in turns sends power to the starter solenoid which in turn activates the starter.

Hope this helps

that is one excellent scenario the other is the ignition switch you can test it with a 12 volt tester to as for what wire to test I cant answer that one only because I am not 100 precent what it is on mine it is a black wire with a yellow tracer but I own a 20 turbo laser hope this helps , anyways when you find it turn your key to the start position and release the light should come on while attemting to start and go off with the key in run position hope this helps

 

[LoW96Rs03]

yea...it was the clutch switch.....i would have never thought to look at that...ended up being $13 to fix after I bought a new starter....oh well