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

 

[mike420a]

Did you check for vacuum leaks? I've had this issue few days ago, that I couldn't start the car unless I cleaned the spark plugs before, those bastards was always full of gas, and I've found few vacuum leaks, 1 comming from the solenoid valve that connects to the fuel injector line and the intake manifold, and other small ones in the back of the intake. I just changed the solenoid and fixed the vacuum, and the car is good now .

I tried this after changing and spending a lot of money in sensors, mechanics and stuff.. Good luck

 

[93laser1g]

there was 2 plugs, coming from the thermostat housing with 1 wire diconnected from each. I went to a junkyard got 2 new plugs spliced the wires and boom it started rite up. hasnt had a starting problem since then. thanks for all your help guys

 

[stars]

You just made the D.S.M Gods very Happy =)

 

[AshyBone]

Congrats on the fix man.

 

[Snow White]

Hi I just installed an Imported jdm 7 bolt into my 1998 GST.
But when it came down to final start up nothing happened
You can here a light click when I turn my key from under
the dash but that's it. It's like the starter has no power running
to it.

The starter is hooked up correctly and its new along with
A new battery and all the grounds are clean and have good
Contact. I'm really confused what could it be ?
Thanks!

The car started fine before the install but it set for 6 months.

 

[WES_393]

If the starter won't crank, it's probably a bad connection. Likely a bad ground. Either that or the battery is too weak to crank it over. So if your positive the connections are good, try jumping the battery or hooking up a charger.

 

[synthetek]

Make sure this plug is connected http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/151542290-post41.html

 

[erkitner]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I ran into the same issue when I did a 6 bolt block swap with a 2G head in my GSX.

First do a preliminary check of the starter. Make sure your positive and grounds on the starter are hooked up properly.

Then run a test wire from the positive terminal of the battery to the signal connector on the starter. If everything cranks over just fine, you either have no or weak signal from the ingition cylinder. Chasing wires sucks, so I just hardwired a new starter button in my center console.

It's pretty cool, because you don't have any wire-chasing to do in order to accomplish your goal of turning over the starter.

AND no one will be able to figure out WHY when you turn the key to start all they hear is the fuel pump turning over.

I also found this pretty useful on cold start days. Using the start position to prime the engine and pressurize the fuel system is pretty advantageous.

If you're not cool with hard-wiring your stater, get a multimeter and chase wires. Start form the starter signal wire and work your way back. A schematic of the starting system will prove helpful.

I hope this helps.

Cheers.

- E

 

[Snow White]

Thanks for all this great information, Im just gonna go down the
List and try everything when I get home from work.

Thanks again il keep everyone updated.

Okay having just bought this starter it was the last thing I thought
Was wrong with it. So i removed it and took it up to the local
Parts store to have them test it and it came back as bad.
So I got another one and put on the car today and she turnt rite
Over.
Thank you all for your help you guys are awesome.

 

[Chucky_D]

New ISC installed, car ran awesome....untill it warmed up ha ha ha

I'm fairly certain the o2 is bad and not going into closed loop when the car warms.

So next step is an o2 sensor!

 

[eatsleepboostin]

Car don't start, why would you think it's the O2? 1g are known for caps going bad on the pcm, replace that bad cap or get a new pcm.

 

[Chucky_D]

Car don't start, why would you think it's the O2? 1g are known for caps going bad on the pcm, replace that bad cap or get a new pcm.

actually the car starts right up every time and idles. it stalls out when the motor is warmed up, warm motor=closed loop for o2 sensor.

Difference Between Open and Closed Loop - ThirdGen.org

 

[jasonleee09]

Well its a 93 Eagle Talon N/T 2.0. Timing is good, has spark, but not sure if i got the camshaft sensor aligned correctly or if its a fuel issue?

 

[Zulurider]

Well its a 93 Eagle Talon N/T 2.0. Timing is good, has spark, but not sure if i got the distributor aligned correctly or if its a fuel issue?

Hey Knoxville, I'm from Roane county brother. But to your question if your timing is good your cam sensor has the right adjustment. You can check for fuel. Turn it over and check your plugs. Has it been running? Did you change anything.What is the status of the car? A few things will not let the car run! MAF sensor unplugged is one with our old connectors. Tons of things. Do a visual and check for what you think it might be. Post back what you have done to eliminate it. We'll walk thought it,Brother Z

 

[jasonleee09]

Hey Knoxville, I'm from Roane county brother. But to your question if your timing is good your cam sensor has the right adjustment. You can check for fuel. Turn it over and check your plugs. Has it been running? Did you change anything.What is the status of the car? A few things will not let the car run! MAF sensor unplugged is one with our old connectors. Tons of things. Do a visual and check for what you think it might be. Post back what you have done to eliminate it. We'll walk thought it,Brother Z

all my connections are good I double checked them all. As for the cam sensor i did install it aligned and with cyld 1 at tdc. It hasn't run in months, I'd say about 6. I did do a vacuum delete. My FPR vacuum hose is hooked directly into my intake manifold. I gotta get a 13/16 spark plug socket tomorrow to check and see if the plus are wet. Don't know where Roane county is but def heard of it.

 

[DeadlyScone]

Well its a 93 Eagle Talon N/T 2.0. Timing is good, has spark, but not sure if i got the distributor aligned correctly or if its a fuel issue?

Those darn distributers can be such a PITA sometimes. Should have gotten a motor that has one of them coil packs or something...

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/217951-how-diagnose-no-start.html

 

[jasonleee09]

Those darn distributers can be such a PITA sometimes. Should have gotten a motor that has one of them coil packs or something...



Those darn distributers can be such a PITA sometimes. Should have gotten a motor that has one of them coil packs or something...

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/217951-how-diagnose-no-start.html

Thanks for the link.

Also to add its my cam sensor that I dont know if its aligned right, I have a single coil pack. Been out there all day so kinda had a brain fart

 

[95eclispe]

did you ever have any timing issues? you pretty much have the basics covered for a no-start: plugs,spark,check your fuel pump just to be sure and injectors. also look for any loose connectors or wiring you maybe have missed. any small sensor being unplugged can do this. I would look up the CAS alignment and see if its to spec.

 

[jasonleee09]

did you ever have any timing issues? you pretty much have the basics covered for a no-start: plugs,spark,check your fuel pump just to be sure and injectors. also look for any loose connectors or wiring you maybe have missed. any small sensor being unplugged can do this. I would look up the CAS alignment and see if its to spec.

Bought the car for cheap. Guy timed it wrong bent all the intake valves/guides so yes slight timing issue . And I didn't know about the fuel pump check plug till about 20 minutes ago so im going to try that tomorrow along with disconnecting the fuel line to check for fuel. My 2 prong coolant sensor plug is destroyed also so I'm having a hard time keeping it plugged in.

 

[95eclispe]

Bought the car for cheap. Guy timed it wrong bent all the intake valves/guides so yes slight timing issue . And I didn't know about the fuel pump check plug till about 20 minutes ago so im going to try that tomorrow along with disconnecting the fuel line to check for fuel. My 2 prong coolant sensor plug is destroyed also so I'm having a hard time keeping it plugged in.

So chances are your timing is still off. this is very easy to check. the teeth on your gears have to be in sync along with your sensors or you will get crank but no start. get a paint marker,clay bar something to mark the gears with. try cranking the car a few times( after checking for fuel leaks so you dont flood your car) and they marks you made should still be aligned when they meet again. if youve never done timing i would take it to someone who knows since messing with it will destroy your car like the previous owner. apart from that replace your crank and cam sensor if your unsure when they were changed along with your coolant one thats messed up they arent pricey maybe 10$ each. Also when checking your fuel pump listen for the buzzing sound when you turn your key from off to aux its faint but you should still hear it.

 

[jasonleee09]

So chances are your timing is still off. this is very easy to check. the teeth on your gears have to be in sync along with your sensors or you will get crank but no start. get a paint marker,clay bar something to mark the gears with. try cranking the car a few times( after checking for fuel leaks so you dont flood your car) and they marks you made should still be aligned when they meet again. if youve never done timing i would take it to someone who knows since messing with it will destroy your car like the previous owner. apart from that replace your crank and cam sensor if your unsure when they were changed along with your coolant one thats messed up they arent pricey maybe 10$ each. Also when checking your fuel pump listen for the buzzing sound when you turn your key from off to aux its faint but you should still hear it.

timing is not off and everything timing wise was replaced and head was redone. Timing was check before and after starting 2-3 times. I know what im doing with rebuilding, just weak at diags with electrical.

From what i have gathered my 1G fuel pump won't engage until the car is actually started

 

[DeadlyScone]

From what i have gathered my 1G fuel pump won't engage until the car is actually started

Nope. The cas plays the major part in activating the fuel pump. Next to the ecu of course. Turn the key to the on position, if your check engine light comes on for a few seconds then turns off then the ecu is working. Next look at the mpi fuse.

 

[95eclispe]

timing is not off and everything timing wise was replaced and head was redone. Timing was check before and after starting 2-3 times. I know what im doing with rebuilding, just weak at diags with electrical.

From what i have gathered my 1G fuel pump won't engage until the car is actually started

well your fuel pump engages as soon as you try to start your car. which is why if you disengage it the car will try to start then quickly die because of lack of fuel. check and see if it turns on along with the car. if it does your problem may lie elsewhere like with one of the sensors like i stated earlier since you said your timing was done properly.

 

[jasonleee09]

Nope. The cas plays the major part in activating the fuel pump. Next to the ecu of course. Turn the key to the on position, if your check engine light comes on for a few seconds then turns off then the ecu is working. Next look at the mpi fuse.

Is there any way of testing the CAS? And my fuel injectors are kicking on.

 

[DeadlyScone]

Is there any way of testing the CAS? And my fuel injectors are kicking on.

Test the check connector for your fuel pump first, unless you're certain it works.

As for the cas testing.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/electrical-tech/394020-how-test-1g-cas.html