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

 

[MmiAngel]

I had a similar problem happen to me on my 420a engine. For some reason when my power-steering snapped my cam gear broke free of the cam shaft (there is a little pin that makes both turn at the same time). So it looked like the engine was cranking, but the cam was not moving. Not sure if that is your problem but it is something to look at if you have tried everything else. Such as coil pack, plug wires, spark plugs, injectors.

Ive checked everything spark wise and everything works good. Ill definitely check out the cam gears since i only checked if the belt was still there. Ill update soon

 

[jbeaton9292]

Anybody have how to check the put with a analog ohm meter

 

[SrKegler]

Sorry guys, missed the part where he said no spark.

 

[jbeaton9292]

Well i used an analong ohm tester and the 1.5v batter and tested as my haynes manual says to and the needle doesnt even move so i ordered a new ptu or for anyone that has to find this part from auyozone they call it the ignition control modual

 

[Spaz5spd]

Hey guys replaced my head and timed. Got the car to fire up, after shutting off the car to check a couple things car is drawing power but not sending it to the starter. The head unit cuts off, the srs and oil light kick off until key released. Battery is fully charged. Any ideas? 420a

 

[puzzledeagle]

Hey guys, new Eclipse owner here. I recently got a 1995 Eclipse GSX 5 speed manual for cheap that unfortunately has the following issues.

1. Car cranks, but won't start
2. Tested fuel pump, there is pressure
3. Tested injectors with noid light, they work fine
4. Sprayed starter fluid into throttle body then cranked engine. All it does is backfire so there is definitely spark
5. Tested ignition coil, spark is present and strong

What else could the issue be preventing the car from starting? Could it be...

1. Bad compression(possible blown head gasket?)
2. Bent valve?
3. Something wrong with the ECU? Crank sensor?
4. Timing issue?

I know I can test compression with a compression tester, but what about the valves, how will I know if they're bent without taking apart the engine? What about the ECU? There is spark, so how do I know if it's firing at the wrong time? And how do I check the timing on the engine if it won't start up at all?

 

[RussianMax]

Was the car running when you bought it?

 

[98Schippnasty]

Since the car cranks I recommend that compression test you mentioned earlier. It's quick, and tells a fair amount before you start tearing things down. Correct me if I'm wrong because I'm fairly new couldn't you take your timing cover off, crank the motor over by hand, and see if the marks on the cam gears lines up? That's how I always time my 1g.

 

[zcox122]

Make sure the plugs are in the proper order. Then check the cas and ecu.

 

[DSM1G90]

You may have a coolant sensor not doing its thing too well, and this can cause "fuel injector misfire" and timing since you got all of the other elements in their place.

 

[puzzledeagle]

I can't get a compression tester until tomorrow but for now I took off all the spark plug holes, put a piece of cloth that covered all four holes and cranked the engine. The cloth stayed in place and did not get blown away, is this a possibility that there is low or no compression at all?

Also if there is no compression at all, how can I determine if the problem is caused by either a blown head gasket or bent valves without taking apart the engine?

Lastly, this car is a 1995 Eclipse GST with a 5 speed manual, so the engine is the 4G63 model right?

 

[98Schippnasty]

Did the car throw a timing belt or do anything to pull timing? Cant hurt to pull the valve cover off and inspect what you can.

 

[doubleclutch]

So more in my no start saga although this seems to be unrelated to my previous problem. It has gotten cold here and I have random no starts. When the car wont start, it seems that the boost gauge doesn't move. I was just out in the garage and turn the key to on, no boost gauge movement but the fuel pump seemed to be running and there sounded like there was an air leak in the engine bay. The pump probably ran for 30 secs. Turned it off and back on, no sounds whatsoever. Off and back on again, the fuel pump ran for a second, stopped, and then the boost gauge went to 0 and the car started first try.

Any thoughts?

 

[puzzledeagle]

Did the car throw a timing belt or do anything to pull timing? Cant hurt to pull the valve cover off and inspect what you can.

Ok I will

 

[iBoostDSM]

Having trouble getting the car to fire up today. It's about 25* out, I've started in 10* weather either this week but now it won't start. It is building fuel pressure while cranking, but it shows no signs of firing. In the winter it usually takes a minute or two to get it started.

I read about adjusting the CoolantTempFuelAdj table in DA. Did that and still nothing.

I don't think this would affect it at all, but the other day I blew out my dipstick. Ran and drove fine. I justed noticed the dipstick was out this morning. Little low on oil so I filled it up.

 

[bastarddsm]

what oil?

 

[iBoostDSM]

10-30, full synthetic

 

[92AWDHX40]

Sorry to hear that john if you want i can come by and give you a hand.

 

[SonySlave]

Back when I daily drive my GSX and my Evo on E85 I used to keep a can of starting fluid in the car and whenever the car didn't want to start on those really cold mornings I pulled the BOV vacuum line off real quick and shot a few good squirts of fluid into it. Worked like a champ! A lot of methanol race cars do the same thing. I still keep a can with me in my tool box at the race track since I run E98 in the race car.

 

[iBoostDSM]

I've thought of that, but would like to figure out the real reason haha.

In the CoolantTempFuelAdj I only richened up the sliders about 10%. Should I try going higher or leaning them out aswell?

Found out i have dtc code 0021, coolant temp circuit malfunction. Ecu is reading -74* coolant temp.

 

[ErikTande]

I've thought of that, but would like to figure out the real reason haha.

In the CoolantTempFuelAdj I only richened up the sliders about 10%. Should I try going higher or leaning them out aswell?

Found out i have dtc code 0021, coolant temp circuit malfunction. Ecu is reading -74* coolant temp.

How old is your coolant temp sensor? I had problems starting below 32 degrees last winter, and after replacing the coolant temperature sensor is fires right up, even when below zero.

 

[chuckd]

theres your problem.

 

[donniekak]

Please never use starting fluid.

 

[viperlp01]

You need to fix the coolant temp sensor first. Once that is right than you can start dialing in the fuel and timing to allow the engine to start better in the cold.

 

[iBoostDSM]

Replaced the sensor and it fired right up! Adjusted the CoolantTempFuelAdj tables and it starts up better than ever.