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

 

[demonicgnome]

i don't know what the prev. owner was doing he had grounded the mfi. would run just not great. i undone all that and its back to stock but still no spark/fuel just turns over slowly.. every wire test ok except the white/red wire from ecm o tested the mfi/mpi relay its all good so does anyone know what the white/red wire does or is this multiple thing s happening cas and cps tested ok... i thought it was the ecu but the car will run just poorly if i just gound the mfi/mpi relay. so could it be the ecu ? would really like some input little ive searched this site over and over.......

 

[raizen]

If you could get your hands on a clean ecu, I would try swapping it out and see what that does. The previous owner may have fried it or something. At least if you swap it with a good one and it doesn't work then you can eliminate the ecu as the suspect and focus elsewhere

 

[Blurred Talon]

Double check the wiring to the MPI Relay.
The Red wire that feeds it runs to the ECU, Crank sensor, cam sensor, etc. Check your grounds too.

 

[demonicgnome]

Just found this under passenger carpet

checked mfi relay is fine but i'm guessing this burnt set of wires has something to do with my problem. Can some one with 95 awd talon tell me the part number off of the abs control module. any help would be nice...

 

[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?

UPDATE: since last posting I've been trying everything recommended, however after getting tired of working on it, i set time ,ran a compression and lost all compression in cylinder 1 &2. I'm sure i collapsed my rings while it overheated. Any suggestions on rings?

 

[dsm_94_4ever]

How are your valves? Some of mine weren't seating properly wich was causing low compression and it was hard to start probably not your problem but you never know.Was your car smoking?Have you double checked you timing marks to make sure it hasn't jumped since you just redid it?Also try using a leak down tester you can pin point were your losing your compression.?You can rent leak down testers at some part stores but I just went ahead and bought my kit from NAPA.

 

[robg3339]

How are your valves? Some of mine weren't seating properly wich was causing low compression and it was hard to start probably not your problem but you never know.Was your car smoking?Have you double checked you timing marks to make sure it hasn't jumped since you just redid it?Also try using a leak down tester you can pin point were your losing your compression.?You can rent leak down testers at some part stores but I just went ahead and bought my kit from NAPA.

Valves were bent, car had trouble starting due to low compression. car was smoking. timing was dead on. the bent valve must have been from the previous s start attempt. the valve stamped my piston no 1. Should i replace just this one piston or change all 4?

 

[dsm_94_4ever]

Well it depends on how hard and where it hit the piston maybe take a picture of it so we can see for ourselves.My talon that I own now the previous owner had broken the timing belt on it and some of the valves hit the pistons not hard but enough to leave dents im pretty broke so I just ground down the high spots on the pistons slapped the rebuilt head on with ARP head studs Felpro head gasket and a timing kit and she runs great and has been for the past two years.I also did this with my previous car and never had a problem.But like I said it all depends on how bad the damage is.

But if you do decide to rebuild I would do all four.You can pick up new OEM pistons rings and berings for pretty cheap just remember you will need to have your block machined.

 

[demonicgnome]

So i pulled out all interior carpet seats dash all to see how much custom wiring the previous owner had done... Turns out he has spliced, cut, ducktaped or just left laying hot almost every wire in this car interior and engine bay.. So now im goin start new harness first essentials then maybe luxury acc. If any one else has did similar projects to their car input would be greatly appreciated. Also i have used search forum s just havent found much but if their is a post similar let me know please

Inside all apart time to retest all wires

 

[Blurred Talon]

Check my build thread, my car has been rewired/tucked.

You could just buy a new harness and swap it.

 

[demonicgnome]

yea your build thread should help greatly thanks

 

[Blurred Talon]

Make sure to get a factory service manual for your year of car, they can be found on eBay.

 

[demonicgnome]

yea i have one i just don't understand why car will run if i ground mfi relay

 

[quirozgsx]

I have a 98 Gsx I just installed dsmlink v3 and the car would turn over but didn't start and but after connecting to the computer the car now wont turn over but when I turn the key the stereo turns off then powers back up. I checked the fuse and it blew out so I changed it but it does the same thing.

Please any help would be appreciated.

 

[Zufelt]

Sounds like your grounding out somewhere.. Check all your wires see f you can't find anythin.. Also was it turning over strong? If not I'd advice you try to jump it just to eliminate a power drainage.

 

[stephen_gst]

sound like the ground like what was said above, and definitely try a jump to see if thatll get things going

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

I have a 98 Gsx I just installed dsmlink v3 and the car would turn over but didn't start and but after connecting to the computer the car now wont turn over but when I turn the key the stereo turns off then powers back up. I checked the fuse and it blew out so I changed it but it does the same thing.

Please any help would be appreciated.

and check battery voltage.

 

[steve]

As the guys have pointed out, it's either a short causing the voltage to drop, excessive resistance in the wiring (battery terminals, etc) causing a voltage drop, or bad battery that can't deliver enough current again causing the voltage to drop.

Start by cleaning the battery posts and terminals, charge the battery up, and measure the voltage before and during the attempt to crank the starter.

 

[quirozgsx]

I will try to find the ground issue but it seems like I have the power because everything stays on when I turn the ignition. the dash lights don't dim at all it is only the stereo but thanks everyone for the quick response once again its just odd that this happens.
I switch the ecu back to the original and it does the same thing.

I got it to turn over it was the relay it was stuck
but now I got my new computer in and it turns over but now it wont start but it starts with my old computer
I tried looking for anything wrong but when I activate the fuel pump nothing happens could it be the pump or a tune problem. any idea why?

 

[pandaman1130]

This might not fix the issue for your problem but this is something I had to do first once I installed my dsmlink v3 . Once I plugged in my v3 ecu I connected it with my laptop turned the ignition on and setup a few things I guess you can call it a pre tune . I had to set up my injectors , maf sensor , tps ect .. Ecmtuning.com has a few demos to help you get started with your datalogging. I recommend you check that out before anything else . Hope this helps

 

[demonicgnome]

broke plug on trans guess that might be part of the problem just never had an auto

 

[okm12346]

the ABS system has nothing to do with ignition or ECU. It only receives a few signals from the ecu/tcu, but other than that it works on it own. I've cut every wire off the ABS module and car still starts.

 

[demonicgnome]

Thanks good to know i didn't think it would the shop i took it to was not the best apparently but anyway would a transmission solenoid cause the ecu to act up cause there is a plug that had got push into the trans iv checked for continuity from cas to cps (red and black wires) and everyone of them that connect together all good accept mass don't but my schematic say s it should. im just really confused at this point ill post pictures today and right a list of what ive checked.. ive searched through tons of similar problems just not many that also run automatics if that matters.

ok here is what ive checked and found .. so first off the problem just recap car will crank no spark no fuel no cel...
checked all grounds and all of the are good.
fuel pump is good ground is good black/blue wire has continuity to mfi relay
mfi relay has power from b/w with ignition on run, both r/b wires have constant power. has continuity from mfi on bl/lg and w/r to ecu. check mfi relay it also passed. checked continuity from cas to cps to idle control to o2 sensors all have continuity just not to the mass all ran with red wire and none of them have continuity to the mfi s red wire is this the promblem? and on to my latest discovery the plug/solenoid? pushed into auto trans passenger front (will post picture). So maybe im not getting something from all the threads ive posted i really dont know would really like some more input. Not a newbie just accept to an auto dsm and electrical but really trying to learn. Thanks alot and this site has been helpful just can't figure this one out..

Here is a picture of the plug/ what ever it is pushed into automatic transmission

Another picture of the trans plug

 

[okm12346]

Is this your MPI relay?

Can you get a better picture of it?

It sounds like your ECU isnt getting any power if the CEL doesnt light up when you turn the key. If ECU doesnt get power then CPS,CAS and fuel pump wont get power since they are all powered by the MPI relay.

The MAS, Baro, MDP, TPS sensors have their own supply of 5volts and their own ground. Its not the same ground as the ground for the CAS and CPS sensors. If this 5volts or the sensor ground is absent, car would still start, but wouldnt run right.

here's the wiring diagram

http://www.dsm-club.org/doc/pdf/2g/electrical/96_ELECTRICAL_WIRING.pdf

page 66 is what you're looking for

 

[1G Eclipse94928]

Wait, did you redo your whole wiring harness yet? I wouldn't leave a single wire unchecked for either being stock condition or newly done by you and not a 3rd grader with no experience and a low IQ.
That wiring pisses me off, some people really shouldn't own cars...