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

 

[streetrebeltsi]

Ok starters good hahaha what to do

Im gonna take the intake manifold off n get a good look at the starter plate n how it lines up and make sure it has a good ground. What do u think?

 

[bergz0]

the starter plate should only mount one way (really cant mess that up) check all of your connections to starter and from it. check connections at battery too

 

[GSXtra]

Did you reuse the original starter plate? My understanding is the AWD and fwd starter plates are different and people get those mixed up a lot so if you got a new one you might want to check that out

 

[bergz0]

im not sure but are the fwd and awd starters different? shorter or longer nose on them?

 

[streetrebeltsi]

Any other sugestions

See I got a starter plate from a friend of mine ### when I got the car the engine was in pieces and didnt have a starter plate so how do I tell which plate is the right one does anyone have a picture

 

[gsexxx]

Did you test the alternator? Didn't see it on the list ^

 

[Dsmkauai]

So its either a fuse/relay, dead battery, bad starter, or you have a loose ground wire somewhere. Since you just did all this work recheck your work and I bet you find the problem. Sounds like a loose wire on the battery or starter. Also explain more what the car is doing. Does it crank at all? Do any lights come on? Is the battery good or have voltage?

 

[1g-90-newbie]

so i traded my 420a talon to a 90 talon tsi awd and the guy said it needed a clutch slave cylinder and an alternator. when i got it to my shop i replaced the slave and wanted to test drive it and it ran great boosted fine and everything but the alternator was overcharging i only made about 5 or 6 passes in the driveway and car started acting funny it stopped revving up like it was flooding itself out now it fills my cylinders up with fuel but wont start. the only thing i did was let my friend mess with the apexi safc controller not sure if that would affect the flooding issue but it all i can figure any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dsm-freak]

Your afc controls your fuel so id have a good look at that.. how badly was the car overcharging because that might have fried something, just a thought. you should have been blowing fuses though.

 

[1g-90-newbie]

car was charging at 16.5 v at running temp. and the car ran great with current setup 650cc injectors and walbro 255 pump on factory fpr so i know it will work but would changing setup on my apexi safc cause it to flood?

 

[93AWDDSM]

are you using any logging software? what are your fuel trims like or what were they like?

 

[1g-90-newbie]

that is another thing the guy told me to turn the boost down b4 i drove car because it had been sitting for a couple months with battery off he said fuel trim may be off????? i have no idea what the fuel trim does or how to change it!!!! and i just got back from shop and i was poking and proding around car and i noticed injector #1 and #2 are not getting power!! please give me some info guys..... and the guy gave me a palm pilot for logging but it has corrosion where it plugs in at the bottom.

 

[92AWDHX40]

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


make sure you have the basics for a no start read above and rule out somethings such as, fuel, spark, and compression.

 

[1g-90-newbie]

i was able to get it started but my #1 and #2 injector are not getting power i unhooked them and nothing changed and car barely idles(very rough) but i am getting fuel, fire, and good compression

 

[dsm-freak]

The fuel trim is how much the AFC adjust for more or less fuel to be supplied to your engine. It basicly tricks the ecu into seeing one thing and doing another. I would trace the power for your injectors and see where you power is stoping. That's weird for only two of them to be not getting power.

 

[1g-90-newbie]

is there a way i can adjust the fuel trim?

 

[SilentKreeper95]

When I open the door the interior lights are one, headlights come on as well as the radio. When I go to start the car everything stays bright just no power to the motor.

 

[luv2rallye]

If starter not engaging sounds like too high resistance in battery connections. Even 0.05 ohm will prevent starter from operating. Remove both ends of both large battery cables, clean them with sandpaper and what they attach to on both ends, reattach and tighten. Battery negative should have 2 large cables, one to starter mounting bolt, one to body. Battery positive has large to starter positive post and white wires to engine fusebox.

 

[DSM_dren]

I have a random starting issue. I bought my eclipse and the ignition is rigged to the center console where the ash tray used to be. I have replaced all the battery cables and the battery. I even had my starter checked. I believe it is coming from the rigged ignition. Most of the time the car starts. It is just every once in a awhile it just gives off a clicking sound and will not turn over. Any ideas on what else it could be?

 

[mrfister11]

there is only 2 things between the key ignition start position and the solenoid.. the starter relay beneath the radio and the connector in the engine harness.. if it clicks at the starter then those are elminated.. then its just a bad connection at starter for ground or possitve.. or at the engine.. starter could still be bad even though it "checked" out good.. you say it is an intermittent problem so it may not have acted up when you had it tested

 

[streetrebeltsi]

Ok I bought a 91 tsi with a blowed engine 4 weeks ago. Rebuilt the motor n trans myself with rebuild kits. Put all new gaskets,belts n fluids n started her up. Everything ran perfect for 3 days. One morning I go out to start her n head to work turn the key over n nothing... so I hook up jumper cables n the starter is making a winding electrical noise and not turning the engine over right. So after work I take the starter off n have it tested and it tests bad so I buy a reman from advanced n install the reman charge the battery turn the key n its makeing the same whining electrical noise n its turning the engine over a lil better but still not right so I try pop starting it and it doesnt even pop start i tried in 2nd and 1st. also my windows,headlights,and mirrors dont work but the wipers work just slower than they should. I checked all my fuses and they're all good. I dont know what to do but start checking relays tomorrow cause it seems like to me its something electrical cause the plugs are firing and its getting fuel to the fuel rail. Its just puzzling me and im really looking forward to getting it running any help is greatly appreciated thankyou

 

[92AWDHX40]

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

 

[93xsg]

My car will do that periodically as well. I just cycle to key on and off a few times and then my car will start

 

[AWDtalontsi96]

check and recheck your grounds dsm's run off of a ground base system. Everything is controlled throw grounds.

 

[mrdsm201]

Im having the same problem my gst start but dies quick what can it be ? The motor have 0 miles on it its rebuilt so i dont understand what cAn it be ?