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

 

[jayrec]

Im assuming you just put in a 98-99 ecu? The order of spark is
4 1 2 3- plug order
to
4 3 2 1- cylinders
line them up
4 to 4
3 to 3
2 to 2
1 to 1

 

[gsxeclipse97]

Assuming your using evo injectors also you need to scale them back to either 509 or 518. You cannot use the 513 as mentioned in evo scan also

 

[duanewjackson]

My 93 tsi automatic awd completely 100% stock won't start I'm wondering if anyone thinks that the fact that my exhaust manifold is cracked to shit could be the probably

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[wrencher]

Probably not.

But all that extra heat it is adding underhood could do something?

 

[92AWDHX40]

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

 

[MitsuEclipse]

I bought my first turbo, 1999 GST Spyder. I let my friend drive it, he hit like 7500 rpmd then the rpms slowly dropped to 0.... after that, it didn't start. We cranked it after parking, it almost turned over but it didn't. Then, all the power died, turned out to be the negative cable had blown. We replaced that, now it just cranks, no slight firing. We removed the timing cover and it looks like the belts are pulleys are new... (maybe had a rebuild?) Belts were turning with crank. Took out the fuel rail, it had fuel in it... anyone had this problem before or know possible solutions? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[johnmel]

No, but if you got fuel and its turning (cams/pistons) then the next step would be spark check to see if all your connections are in order

 

[phr0st]

Check for spark and do a compression test

 

[MitsuEclipse]

Okay, I was going to check spark today.. there was no smoke at all, is a compression test worth a shot?

 

[TSiAWD666]

Check the wiring harness connections at the top of the motor, especially for the power transistor, the crank position sensor, and the cam angle sensor. Just try pulling them and re-installing them to see if that fixes it. Might be one of those wasn't secured well and worked its way loose (has happened to me).

Next would be to actually verify those sensors are outputting properly, but testing that might be a a bit beyond your expertise.

 

[phr0st]

Okay, I was going to check spark today.. there was no smoke at all, is a compression test worth a shot?

A compression test is always a good thing. I generally do one before i even buy the car. Any CEL on?

 

[MitsuEclipse]

No check engine lights, no high or low oil pressure, no smoke from the head, tailpipe, or turbo... it sounds like spark or a sensor... but won't it turn on and turn right off or run rough without a good sensor?
I'm worried an internal engine part broke, because my friend had a crankshaft break on him. I hope it's not the timing either because we cranked it a lot and the valves would be ruined.

 

[PrimerPLus]

You need to check for bad grounds. I would pull, clean, and replace those that were iffy.
Then check all fuses under dash and engine bay. Also your relays.
You have a bad electrical issue so start checking your electrical components. Test your battery your alternator fuse, go over it all

Also you can't do a commpression test unless it can crank

 

[DailyDriven92]

I'm having a similar problem I bought a 92 laser rs shell with a rebuilt motor and put it in I can get the car to start and run only when my foot is on the gas pedal... I'm just chasing my tail at this point.. Pulled the ecu and it's really clean the motor was in a car an ran 2-3k after the rebuild so I know the motor is in good running order just can't get her to idle on her own...

 

[HOOCH256]

Ok so here's the deal, went to pick up my 1g talon the other day from my shop to take to my house and I get in to fire it up and she just cranks over? FP gauge reads about 45psi, so I pulled a vacuum line and have a shot of ether and she fired right up but then died. I'm a lil stumped cause its always fired right up on the first crank.

The only other piece of info was a few weeks ago I pulled the ECU out just enough so I could snap some pics of the inside so the shop I'm taking it to knows what DSMlink to get. So my guess is I pulled a wire somewhere that'd keeping the injectors from firing -_-

Car is a 1990 TSi Talon AWD
4g63
Hx35
960cc FIC
272 BC cams
Big FMIC
5spd
Burned ECU with palm cord attached

 

[Mo95Talon]

Ok guys I have been searching the forums found similar problems just not the same one and I need some help from everyone. Couple years back I install a black top CAS onto my 95 tsi and have had absolutely no problems out of it what so ever. A few days ago I was cruising down the highway and hit fourth gear lost power and died. The care would not start back up at this point. Came back 12 hours later to take it home and it started right up on the first crank and drove six miles perfectly home. The car had a repeat a day later and now it wont start at all and it has been 2 days. I replace the coolant temperature sensor and I am getting no fire to the plugs. No CEL. Any Ideas? Thanks Guys.

 

[xxNocturnalxx]

1st guess, ECU.

 

[Mo95Talon]

Took you advise removed ecu looked for leaking capacitors didnt find anything. But it has already been rebuilt once before so it probably needs it again. Wish someone close had an ecu I could try.

I borrowed an ecu out of a working car and no luck. Anythings else it might be?

 

[ICM_MikeLago]

no spark? crankshaft position sensor would be something id check.

 

[Night devil]

Did the motor sound right when you drove it 6 miles? In your situation, I would do a compression test just to make sure motor is good. Then ill check the coil pack after ecu. Check for plug wires and the black top sensor. If you have a different cas try it and see it how it works. Look for any ecu wires you mistakely or accidently cut off. Check for any cut off wires around the coilpack. If non of that work then mostly its your ecu.

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[Calan]

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

 

[954g63gst]

I am going threw same thing. But my ecu is good. I just took off my throttle body to rebuild it and now the car wont start. Right before I took off the throttle body the cars starter worked every time. Now I just hear a click from in the dash. So I took the ecu out checked it with a different one and same issue. Then I ripped the dash apart so I could get to the ignition switch and the starter relay. Thats were I stand, and you sound like your dealling with the same issue.

Does the car crank or just click?

 

[Calan]

I just took off my throttle body to rebuild it and now the car wont start.

...So I took the ecu out checked it with a different one and same issue. Then I ripped the dash apart so I could get to the ignition switch and the starter relay

I assume you checked all of the sensors and grounds related to the throttle body and in that general area, before ripping into the dash... correct?

 

[954g63gst]

I returned the old starter for a new one. I had my battery tested and I pulled my battery ground starter ground and the original battery ground cleaned the ends and the surfaces that they connect to, and reconnected everything. And same issue. I believe its either the ignition switch or starter relay.

 

[mitsucrazy]

The car will crank over just fine, attempt to start but will not, it backfires sometimes also. The car will start with the injectors unplugged.

I have checked for spark, there is definitely spark on all 4 cylinders whether or not it's strong enough I do not know. The spark is blue all the way across. There is definitely fuel, I can usually find fuel on my plugs after a few tries of cranking it over. I've checked my timing and everything seems to be in order and I've checked for vac leaks already and fixed the ones I had found.

I have replaced my spark plugs and the coil at this point. I went as far before as trying different fuel pumps also. My battery is new and I've tried jumping my car just for the hell of it. So I do not think I'm having a issue there.

Anyone have ideas? Most of my parts are new or fairly new like starter etc.. I considered my plug wires but I would like more insight before I go dropping more $$$. Already bought a coil just to get me no where.