Starter Problem-- READ ASAP LATE FOR WORK

[Squigs]

Ok, im late for work b/c my car wont start.

My car is a stick. I just went out and drove to mcdonalds to bring back my lil sis and bro something. I turned it off to bring food inside, came back out and car wont start. (yes i know to hold in the clutch im not dumb ). Soon i turn the key, nothing happens, besides a little zing spin noise thats very low. This has happened to me before on a rainy day. I went to get gas.. everything was fine.. soon i filled up it wouldnt start. I had to wait like 15 mins and it finally started

HOW CAN I FIX THIS? WHAT IS DOING THIS?

 

[SOADweskey]

Check to make sure the positive wire from the battery to the starter is solidly connected aa well as the ground wire from the starter to the frame.

And I know it is obvious but be sure your battery isn't dead.

 

[Squigs]

battery isnt dead, lights, windows, radio etc works

wires are connected

 

[rich3389]

Sounds like it is time for a new starter.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

What do you mean by " a little zing spin noise "? Is the starter engaging with the flywheel and turning the motor, or is the starter not engaging with the flywheel, or is it engaging and turning the motor over, but too slow to start?

 

[Squigs]

Sounds like it is time for a new starter.

thanks that helps. I know that

 

[Squigs]

What do you mean by " a little zing spin noise "? Is the starter engaging with the flywheel and turning the motor, or is the starter not engaging with the flywheel, or is it engaging and turning the motor over, but too slow to start?


The motor isnt turning at all.It sounds like its just spinning.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Put in a new starter and you should be good to go.

 

[Squigs]

Put in a new starter and you should be good to go.

i dont have time right now.. it has done this before about a month ago. I sat there for 15 mins, the gas attendent pushed my car to the side, i tried one last time to start it and poof... started right up

 

[rich3389]

If you need to go to work and your starter is not working, have someone push your car to about 10 mph while your in gear with the clutch depressed and ignition "on", when you come up to 10 mph, pop the clutch out and it should start right up.

 

[Squigs]

how much are new starters

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I just got one from Advance Auto Parts for about $75 and it comes with a lifetime replacement if it ever goes bad again.

 

[Squigs]

I just got one from Advance Auto Parts for about $75 and it comes with a lifetime replacement if it ever goes bad again.

I gotta get me one hahaha

 

[rich3389]

I paid 120 ish after core a month or two ago for a starter from autozone.

 

[numlock666]

push start it. With the key at "on", in neutral get the car to about 10 mph and put the clutch in and put it in 1st and pop the clutch out.

 

[rich3389]

I think i said that already!

 

[jake247]

hit it with a hammer.

maybe you can get one or two starts out of it that way.

use a pipe to get at it, tap while someone tries to start it. make sure it's not in gear so you don't get ran over.

but this is four hours late.

 

[Squigs]

how hard is it for someone with very little car mechanic knowledge to put a new starter in?

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

It's not hard to do. Hopefully you know where to find the starter. You should be able to access it from the top. Just remove the two bolts that mount it up, remove one wire and the plug from it and pull it out.

 

[Squigs]

I have no idea where the starter is. Here is a engine pic from my car. Its old pic since my digi camera doesnt work anymore.

Ok now i have noticed something while looking around the engine.
ImageShack - Hosting :: picture021qo9.jpg

Look at the bottom right of the engine, under the right side of the oil pan, there is a little silver motor thing next to the belts. I noticed there is a wire hanging down from there and its unplugged but have no idea where it plugs back into. if you dont see where im talking about, if you see at the bottom of the engine , that white piece that pulls out, to the bottom right of it youll see a silver motor type thing

Where is the starter? Is that it?

 

[absolute_DSM]

I have no idea where the starter is. Here is a engine pic from my car. Its old pic since my digi camera doesnt work anymore.

Ok now i have noticed something while looking around the engine.
ImageShack - Hosting :: picture021qo9.jpg

Look at the bottom right of the engine, under the right side of the oil pan, there is a little silver motor thing next to the belts. I noticed there is a wire hanging down from there and its unplugged but have no idea where it plugs back into. if you dont see where im talking about, if you see at the bottom of the engine , that white piece that pulls out, to the bottom right of it youll see a silver motor type thing

Where is the starter? Is that it?

Wow those are some technical words. That silver thing is your alternator. Above it is the power steering pump.
I think the white thing youre talking about is your dipstick.

Your starter is under your intake manifold bolted to the transmission.
Its not hard to replace, just takes some time to move a lot of things out of the way. If you were closer Id do it for you in the heated garage.

 

[Squigs]

what is that wire hanging down near it than? Any idea what it could possibly be?

 

[absolute_DSM]

Its more than likely your oil idiot switch or pressure sender. Does your stock oil pressure gauge work or is your oil light on?

 

[Squigs]

yeah it works..
Where exactly is the starter and manifold im dumb with cars, only 17

People say you can bang on it and youll get like 2 starts out of it

 

[absolute_DSM]

Youre 17, so what, we were all there. At least you can admit you dont know whats going on. Let me just advise you that youre at the beginning of your learning curve so just open your mind and start learning, dont stop asking questions, and dont get cocky ever thinking you know everything. Most people here are pretty helpful when you treat them with respect.

Heres what you should go over for a while.
Virtual Tour of the DSM Engine Bay - Quadrant map

Also, yes, you should be able to replace that starter and be good to go.

Ill even help you out and tell you how to replace it. (with the best of my known knowledge, my engine bay is not quite stock. Make sure you go over the virtual tour link I posted before starting!)

1 - Disconnect your battery and remove. (for ease and safety)
2 - Disconnect your upper IC pipe with that BOV (unbolt the throttle body elbow and you should be able to move it aside to get enough room.)
3 - You should be able to see the starter below the manifold now. Stand at your passenger front wheel and look directly below the intake manifold. There are 2 bolts from the passengers side that go through the transmission case and bolt the starter up tight. (As a side note, make sure they arent loose, that can cause your problem also. If not loose continue on..)
4- Disconnect the wiring from the starter. There should be 1 plug and a positive cable that is bolted to the solenoid.
5 - Once the wiring is free you can remove the 2 bolts that hold it to the tranny.
6 - Swap in the new starter, reverse the steps to install and you should be good to go.

See the pics below for some advice. Youll notice the pic of the starter upside down, for reference of what it looks like. I circled the bolts that need removed on the other pics
.
Anyone feel free to add something if I missed it. I havent played with a stock-ish DSM in about 2 years.

PS - You should pick up a stock bypass valve and recirulate it. Your car is hurting with the way it is now.