Starter Issues, wont crank over.

[kidwiththelaser]

So my 95 GST used to only crank over intermittently, and then I would tap on it with a hammer and it would crank over fine. So I knew the starter was on its way out. This weekend it took a complete dump and would not crank over, no matter what I did.

So I went and bought a new starter from AutoZone, and put it in. And it still will not crank over, and I ran a wire from negative post on the starter to the Positive battery terminal, and it still did not crank over.

So finally I took the starter completly out again, and connected the wires to it with out installing it, and turned the key but it still would not spin.

What could I possibly be doing wrong??

Or is the new starter I got bad too? (which would be understandable since its a Duralast Starter)

Thanks for any help!

-Charlie

 

[luv2rallye]

First clean, wiggle and tighten battery terminals. Then check the voltage on the starter wires (connected to starter with it in or out of car) while starting. If there (12V), starter is bad. If not there, check if clutch pedal position switch is adjusted properly. If so, check starter relay (it's normally closed - key to start opens it).

 

[wret]

I ran a wire from negative post on the starter to the Positive battery terminal, and it still did not crank over.

A starter does not have a negative terminal. It is grounded through the mounting contact and bolts.

 

[Soup Can]

hehe wret I'm glad you said that...i was slightly confused also by that...you can't just put power to the starter and expect it to turn over, you also have to apply power to the solenoid to switch the power on...check your system for a blown fuse...

 

[kidwiththelaser]

thanks for all the replies!!

I searched around and they said to bypass everything and just test the starter itself, i would have to run a wire from the positive battery terminal, to the male connector on the starter.


Also I could hear a whining sound when I was trying to crank it over.

ill check it all out all if your suggestions so far, later today and come back with the results.

 

[kidwiththelaser]

okay, so the new starter was bad. So I replaced it, and had it tested before I installed it. And it still doesnt want to start.

I checked the starter relay, disconnected it, and then reconnected it. And after reconnecting the relay it tried to start, cranked over, but was real weak.

Is there a way to test the starter relay?

Or is there something else that could likely be wrong?

 

[wret]

To test the starter relay, jump across it. This will eliminate the clutch safety switch and anti-theft, which is the reason for the relay.

 

[kidwiththelaser]

To test the starter relay, jump across it. This will eliminate the clutch safety switch and anti-theft, which is the reason for the relay.

Jump across which prongs?

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According to these pics I got from AllData, it looks like it needs power between 1 and 3, so if I connect the wires going to those prongs it should work, if the starter relay is whats causing it not to start, right?

 

[kidwiththelaser]

Anyone know for sure which prongs need to be jumped across?

I disconnected the Clutch safety switch, and when I tried to crank it all it did was make a rapid clicking sound.

 

[wret]

Jump across which prongs?

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According to these pics I got from AllData, it looks like it needs power between 1 and 3, so if I connect the wires going to those prongs it should work, if the starter relay is whats causing it not to start, right?

To bypass the relay, connect the wire from 3 to the wire from 4.

 

[kidwiththelaser]

To bypass the relay, connect the wire from 3 to the wire from 4.

thank you very much.

I just did that a few hours ago, and now it starts fine!

So I have to wait until Mitsubishi is open again on Monday to replace the starter relay.

Thanks alot for all the help everybody!

 

[wret]

It's not certain that the problem is in the relay. It could still be the anti-theft or the clutch safety system. Bypassing the relay bridges over these two possible cut-outs, and of course the relay itself, allowing the start signal to go directly from the ignition switch to the starter.

Let us know if the new relay fixes the problem.

 

[kidwiththelaser]

It's not certain that the problem is in the relay. It could still be the anti-theft or the clutch safety system. Bypassing the relay bridges over these two possible cut-outs, and of course the relay itself, allowing the start signal to go directly from the ignition switch to the starter.

Let us know if the new relay fixes the problem.

Will do. If the relay doesnt fix the issue, cant I simply unplug the clutch safety switch?

 

[wret]

If that fixes the problem, yes. Disabling the clutch safety is recommended for CW prevention. Just don't let it run away with you and be cautious who you let start your car.

 

[kidwiththelaser]

If that fixes the problem, yes. Disabling the clutch safety is recommended for CW prevention. Just don't let it run away with you and be cautious who you let start your car.

okay, a new relay fixed the starter problem!

thanks alot guys!

Now I just have to figure out the rest of the problems with it!!

 

[nice97civic]

I'm bumping this because I need help. I've tried everything short of the starter relay because it's dark and i really dont know where the starter relay is to bypass the anti-theft and clutch switch. however i did unplug the clutch switch so i doubt doing the relay mod will help. i replaced my clutch master cylinder, tried to start the car when i was done and just got a click from the starter. pulled the starter and replaced it with a new, tested good, starter. put the starter in and same thing. just a click when i turn the key. any different ideas as to what could be causing this?

 

[Ravenous]

Is there any disadvantage to removing the relay completely? I spent all morning working on pulling out my car alarm because the heater core leaked all over it and I thought that was why my car wasn't starting. It has a starter kill and everything else except for the keyless entry has gone to hell anyway. After the alarm was removed it still wouldn't start. So I checked the grounds and it still wouldn't start. I tapped the starter with a screwdriver and it fired right up, so the starter is probably going out anyway but I want to make the car as simple to diagnose as possible. No more relays where they don't need to be, no more complex electronics. I am getting ready to rewire everything, no more but connectors or miles of wires.....

So anyway long story short... Can I get rid of that relay?

Also I think I should state that there is no click at all when turning the key... so in my mind that means it is the relay or the ignition switch.

 

[remofzero]

im going through the same stuff guys...except i cannot find my starter relay...its like its missing any specific place it would be? i got power at all the nessacary points (hot wire and the wire that plugs on the selinoid) but nothing starter is good had it checked at 3 different stores....any thoughts?

 

[marc97gst]

this workd had the prblm for 2days and was driving me crazy as soon as i saw this thread and bypassed the relay it fixd my prbm...any1 know how long i can leave the relay like that