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

 

[miguelmcv]

I'm sorry, I ment CAS.
Fixt

Here is a good post for you to know what all that is in the thermostat housing (post # 11).

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/maintenance-repairs/403806-tstat-housing.html

The CTS will work no matter how you put the wires, they are switchable, so you can't miss that.
You might have done something wrong.


The pics you posted doesn't judge much, we have no clue which wire goes where.

Take some pics of the wire from where it comes to where they go, so we can see the complete line and identify the line to see if that's the right one.

Also, start the car and check if you have spark on all 4 cylinders, if you do, then check the connectors to see if they all are working., It doesn't take long to do this test.

With the car running, disconnect a spark cable at a time and see if it changes, if it changes then it means it is working, if it makes no difference, then it means there is no spark, Do the same test with the injectors, disconnect one injector at a time.

 

[byebye_sti]

I'm sorry, I ment CAS.
Fixt

Here is a good post for you to know what all that is in the thermostat housing (post # 11).

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/maintenance-repairs/403806-tstat-housing.html

The CTS will work no matter how you put the wires, they are switchable, so you can't miss that.
You might have done something wrong.


The pics you posted doesn't judge much, we have no clue which wire goes where.

Take some pics of the wire from where it comes to where they go, so we can see the complete line and identify the line to see if that's the right one.

Also, start the car and check if you have spark on all 4 cylinders, if you do, then check the connectors to see if they all are working., It doesn't take long to do this test.

With the car running, disconnect a spark cable at a time and see if it changes, if it changes then it means it is working, if it makes no difference, then it means there is no spark, Do the same test with the injectors, disconnect one injector at a time.

Gotcha.

I apologize for the terrible pictures; I ran out of the garage quickly to atleast post something. I'll get some more for you ASAP.

The car won't idle long enough for the me to do any of those tests.

I will check for spark though.

 

[robg3339]

hey guys I'm needing a little advice I replaced my HG a couple days ago after blowing it in McDonalds Drive thru. everything was perfectly fine. it was a simple replace and put back together job. I did just that , I set my timing. and still had trouble starting it. so today after finally starting it I took it for a ride and it was low on coolant. the car overheated I took it back to the shop and let it cool all the way and filled it with coolant. Now the car will not start again. I'm getting spark, and fuel. But not starting. Any suggestions?

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

hey guys I'm needing a little advice I replaced my HG a couple days ago after blowing it in McDonalds Drive thru. everything was perfectly fine. it was a simple replace and put back together job. I did just that , I set my timing. and still had trouble starting it. so today after finally starting it I took it for a ride and it was low on coolant. the car overheated I took it back to the shop and let it cool all the way and filled it with coolant. Now the car will not start again. I'm getting spark, and fuel. But not starting. Any suggestions?

Do a compression test for starters. (free and easy)
How bad did it overheat? did you keep driving it while it was overheating? How much coolant is "low"? almost none? Did you also forget to put oil in there? Maybe you should take off the valve cover for now and check that out too.

 

[robg3339]

Do a compression test for starters. (free and easy)
How bad did it overheat? did you keep driving it while it was overheating? How much coolant is "low"? almost none? Did you also forget to put oil in there? Maybe you should take off the valve cover for now and check that out too.

It got hot enough to smoke. And no turned the key and rolled it the last 4 blocks . Coolant was very low i believe took a little more than a gallon to fill. And oil is good. Going back now to take off valve cover. Will also try a compression test.

 

[gofast63]

It got hot enough to smoke. And no turned the key and rolled it the last 4 blocks . Coolant was very low i believe took a little more than a gallon to fill. And oil is good. Going back now to take off valve cover. Will also try a compression test.

What type of head gasket did you use? Also how much boost are you running?

 

[robg3339]

Do a compression test for starters. (free and easy)
How bad did it overheat? did you keep driving it while it was overheating? How much coolant is "low"? almost none? Did you also forget to put oil in there? Maybe you should take off the valve cover for now and check that out too.

It got hot enough to smoke. And no turned the key and rolled it the last 4 blocks . Coolant was very low i believe took a little more than a gallon to fill. And oil is good. Going back now to take off valve cover.

 

[dsmreck]

crank sensor?

 

[robg3339]

crank sensor?

Maybe so. Thank you Guys so much. I appreciate the advice.I'll try it and let yall know if it works.

 

[dsmreck]

i once turned it 180 around so dumb but the crank walking can also cause the crank sensor to be damaged.

 

[robg3339]

What type of head gasket did you use? Also how much boost are you running?

It was a fel pro that i used, wg set @ 14 psi.

 

[dsm144]

Hey guys I picked up my 97 gst 2 nights ago and the car ran fine all the way home (an hour and a half drive) but of course the guy thought itd be cool to vent the bov. It idled really high and got rough but never died. The next day i was showing it to my family and it started making an awful ticking noise. Sounded most likely like spark knock so i parked it. Today i went to change the oil and i was gonna crank it and now it just turns over and wont fire. I pulled the plugs and the 2 on the left were dry and looked fouled. The 2 on the right looked the same but were actually a little wet. They were all gapped at about .040 which im thinking was the knock problem but does anyone have any ideas as to what could be making it not start? Im getting new plugs tomorrow.

 

[gofast63]

Hey guys I picked up my 97 gst 2 nights ago and the car ran fine all the way home (an hour and a half drive) but of course the guy thought itd be cool to vent the bov. It idled really high and got rough but never died. The next day i was showing it to my family and it started making an awful ticking noise. Sounded most likely like spark knock so i parked it. Today i went to change the oil and i was gonna crank it and now it just turns over and wont fire. I pulled the plugs and the 2 on the left were dry and looked fouled. The 2 on the right looked the same but were actually a little wet. They were all gapped at about .040 which im thinking was the knock problem but does anyone have any ideas as to what could be making it not start? Im getting new plugs tomorrow.

Get NKG spark plugs and gap them to 0.028. 0.040 is way to high. You have to recirculate your Blow off valve, that is a must.

 

[dsm144]

Yea I need to find another recirculation tube. I just dont see how it ran great yesterday and today nothing

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

Yea I need to find another recirculation tube. I just dont see how it ran great yesterday and today nothing

Cause you kept driving it without fixing it first. Now the dsm gods are punishing you until its fixed.

 

[dsm144]

Tell me about it haha Itll probably crank first try tomorrow

 

[gofast63]

cause you kept driving it without fixing it first. now the dsm gods are punishing you until its fixed.

rofl

Yea I need to find another recirculation tube. I just dont see how it ran great yesterday and today nothing

My car use to run great without it. Then eventually it ran like poo. That's what happens when I forget to put something back on.

 

[dsmreck]

didn't forget just rice

 

[motomattx]

The head is likely to be warped beyond spec, no head gasket will seal for long with a warped head. Do a compression test, if the compression is low pull the head again, have it checked for warp by your machine shop and if necessary have it machined back to spec and then install the head with a new head gasket and if your smart new head bolts.

 

[TallestHERETIC]

Hey guys I picked up my 97 gst 2 nights ago and the car ran fine all the way home (an hour and a half drive) but of course the guy thought itd be cool to vent the bov. It idled really high and got rough but never died. The next day i was showing it to my family and it started making an awful ticking noise. Sounded most likely like spark knock so i parked it. Today i went to change the oil and i was gonna crank it and now it just turns over and wont fire. I pulled the plugs and the 2 on the left were dry and looked fouled. The 2 on the right looked the same but were actually a little wet. They were all gapped at about .040 which im thinking was the knock problem but does anyone have any ideas as to what could be making it not start? Im getting new plugs tomorrow.

WOW! Gapped at .040? That's really high! I think the maximum you can go is .032. I usually set mine at around .028 or .029 when I need to change them out. Makes the idle real smooth.

 

[dsm144]

Think being gapped that far would make it not start?

 

[gofast63]

Think being gapped that far would make it not start?

Ye s it can cause a no start or a nasty misfire

 

[dsm144]

Well new plugs and wires and still not starting. When i initially turn it over it sorta poofs and the rpm gauge moves then it just keeps turning over with no hope of firing. Anyone have any ideas of what to check?

 

[miliman13]

Cause you kept driving it without fixing it first. Now the dsm gods are punishing you until its fixed.

Their wrath is mighty, like children of the universe they toy with our fate!

 

[gofast63]

Their wrath is mighty, like children of the universe they toy with our fate!

Awesome.

Is your car all stock? if not, what kind of modifications do you have? What order are your wires on your coils and what year is your ecu, 1997?