Starting issues - No / Doesn't / Won't Start - MERGED

[prodsm]

All "my car won't start" discussion threads are merged HERE. We've basically made it easier for those who insist upon not searching by grouping together all threads from those with similar issues so you can just scroll through and see some possible solutions. To search for info within this thread, use the "Search This Thread" feature in the black bar about 3" above what you're reading right now.

Could be anything from a loose battery terminal to internal engine damage, and literally everything in between which may involve the electrical, fuel, and ignition system...possibly even something that you screwed up while working on the car yourself. While it's unlikely we're going to diagnose and solve your problem over the internet, feel free to discuss any possible solutions.



I live in Canada and right now its not very warm out, about -30c
my car does not have a block heater too keep it warm.

I tryed to start my car this morning and it wouldent start, ive had this problem before but this time, the car doesnt crank at all it just makes a sound that sounds like an electric drill.

Whats wrong.

Thanks

 

[cophotoguy]

Check your timing belt, that happened on my Nissan when it snapped. I hope thats not the case for yah.

 

[LiquidX]

Were you data logging while doing the pulls making sure you weren't knocking and that your fuel and timing was set properly? What boost level on the 14b did you set it to?

If you have oil in the exhaust I would be led to believe off the bat that the turbo is shot which you should test for shaft play. You can also check the timing belt to make sure it didn't jump a tooth and it will also help determine if it's harder than normal to turn over.

 

[gsxlover97]

Ok so still fairly new to dsm world but love it and this site .
so I replaced my timing belt a week ago along with balance shaft belt, water pump and all the necessary pulleys and tensioners. Car was running and doing great and I was happy I didn't blow my motor up being my first timing belt change .... Car had the check engine light on before the fix and after with the fuel pressure solenoid code popping up, I was going to replace fuel filter first, then if code stil on the regulator but car died last night before I could. I was in second going to third after shifting and trying to give gas car would just sputter and try to bog out. I pulled over and it would idle just fine but every time I tryed to give gas it would try to die . After a few it died while idling then would start run for few secs then die again, then finally it just wouldn't start . Does any one have any help on where I should start ?........thanks

 

[born2tune]

May be a popped inter-cooler pipe/coupler (boost leak), also check your MAF sensor for cleanliness and sensor connector for proper connection. I wont flood you with things to check until you check those mentioned.

 

[DSM's 4 life]

^
Maf sensor

 

[gsxlover97]

K I've checked all piping and my maf looks ok...should I check for spark? If so how?...any other ideas

 

[LOLVTEC]

Since your just did a timing job check to see if it jumped

 

[gsxlover97]

K how do I check that....?

 

[talon2gbuyer]

check to see where the timing marks are now. If they are not lined up as they were when you did the install, then you have a timing issue.

 

[gsxlover97]

K do I need to check all if the timing is lined up all the way around cams, crank, balance?

 

[cola]

just take the cam cover off and take a quick look

 

[talon2gbuyer]

just check the cam gear marks. If they are off then the rest of them are as well.

 

[gsxlover97]

K cam timing marks are stil spot on....

 

[talon2gbuyer]

have you run a boost leak test? or a leakdown test since you've had the issues? that may point out where to look.. just an idea.

 

[gsxlover97]

I have not yet not sure how to go about it....the car turns over and over its just not wanting to fire like no spark or its not getting fuel.......would a boost leak cause that....I've had a leak before and it stil ran and drove just didn't boost good and idled a little high....

If it helps I took the back seat off to get to the fuel pump and when the car turns on I can't hear it "engaging "

 

[Lou98GSX]

when you looked at the came gears and they lined up did you also look to see if the crank dampener notch was on t on timing cover.

 

[williamsoa]

It looks like it was two things: 1) the fuel regulator diaphragm was bad (replaced with a rebuild kit) and 2) the AEM box is bad. I swapped out the ECU for the original one just to see if it would start. . . and it did. Of course it was after I fixed the regulator. I will be calling AEM again to test the box again. This happened before after I purchased the box, the coil drivers were bad; I had to send it back to them 3 or 4 times until they fixed it. This time, there is no warranty, I hope they will fix it after I sent it back to them just recently. Thanks you guys for your help. Now I can focus on the REAL problem.

 

[Chrispy0530]

It's a 95.

For those who were wondering, I replaced the coolant temp sensor, and literally straight cranking for like 3 minutes straight non-stop and the car finally came back to life. All is well now.

Thanks for the help!

 

[gsxlover97]

It appears to be so ....but so to clarify....what is crank dampener notch?

K so there is no spark happening........where do I go......is something wrong with the timing?

 

[luv2rallye]

the coil drivers were bad; I had to send it back to them 3 or 4 times until they fixed it.

If the coil drivers keep blowing, check to make sure you don't have a partial short or drawing more current than they are rated for so you won't blow any more.

 

[Nosroxs]

Do the basics first!! if it is not starting then it is either no gas or not enough gas, no spark or not enough spark, or not enough pressure!! pull fuel line and make sure gas is getting to the engine if there is pull a spark plug wire throw a spark plug in it ground it out and make sure it is getting spark ... if you have gas and good spark then step back and kick it a few times .. don't do that it only works 50% of the time to me it really sounds like the fuel filter is clogged or your fuel pump was on its way out .. that's where i would start..

If it helps I took the back seat off to get to the fuel pump and when the car turns on I can't hear it "engaging "

the fuel pump only runs while the car is running or being turned over at least i think :-?

It appears to be so ....but so to clarify....what is crank dampener notch?

K so there is no spark happening........where do I go......is something wrong with the timing?

crank notch, ya know the big pulley wheel on the um yeah crank, "big bottom pulley" if all timing marks line up it is not a timing problem. make sure the CPS "crank position sensor" and the CAS "cam angle sensor" are securely plugged in.. make sure the 20 amp Engine fuse in the fuse panel under the hood is not blown, along with all other fuses. good luck and god speed

 

[cl1ckclack]

you just answered your own question OP... if your fuel pump isnt turning on when you try to start the car, it isnt getting any fuel, and obviously wont start.

 

[gsxlover97]

K so I've checked timing, looks good, maf looks good, it is getting fuel ........ Its just not getting spark......checked all four wires and nothing?

 

[psx]

So to continue the story, i get the car towed.................at my house i discover the cold side of the turbo is full of oil. and intercooler is my new oil pan. ha so im puting the little 13g back on there for now and see what happens

 

[clipto]

Sorry to hear that I would take some gas or simple green and shake it all up in your intercooler to clean it out.