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

 

[tunernewb92]

What it does exactly

So the cams were the issue. They were sold to me as DSM cams and look like DSM cams but they aren't DSM cams. Switched back to stock. Compression test looked fine. Fired car up. Everything runs fine except for idle surge. So on to that problem

 

[Beat98TSI]

1g one morning would not start. I can hear pump turn on. I have got good fuel pressure. With spark in line tester I get no spark till key off, one single spark. I think sometimes I see one when key on. Any help. Thank you.

 

[94laser13]

What condition are plugs and wires in? Are they new? That's usually what I start with When I have similar problems. Maybe ignition coil went bad..

 

[mitsubishikid]

it Sounds like it's ignition related, pull the spark plugs, and the wires, out and inspect them, also check the cas and its wire connector for signs of damage.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I'm not sure how you could ever get just one single spark with the key off, or on. The only way you're ever going to get a spark is when cranking and/or after the engine starts running and continues to run while the key is released to the run, or normal ON position. Maybe check the connector at the PTU (aka ignitor) as they like to come loose, or lose a wire sometimes. You may even want to try swapping out for another one. Here's some more information on the PTU in case you don't know.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/cylinders-2-3-no-spark-coil-pack-and-plugs-good.374789/

 

[Beat98TSI]

I figured it out. The CEL was not lighting up key on. Replaced with a non Eprom ecu and it fired right up. Now to take tranny off cause what I believe to be the throw out bearing is making noise or the flywheel is coming loose. Got some grinding and knocking noises by the Bell housing.

 

[MrGorbatroff]

I have tried everything I know and have read in the forums. Replaced the Ecu, replaced the coil packs, replaced plugs and wires, replaced the ignition control module. I'm just at a loss here and I'm just trying to get my car back on the road. The car gets fuel but it no spark and I can't figure out why it's not getting spark. Any Help is appreciated.

 

[boostdawd]

Sounds like you've replaced most ignition related parts. The spark is sent to these parts based on the signal from the cam angle sensor. Something worth checking.

 

[geno414]

My car will not start when I try to start the car with the key. I did get the car to start when I turned the ignition on and ran a manual power to the relay on the starter and it started. I checked the relays and the wires and they are all good and seem to be wired correctly. I am not sure what else to do, please help.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Does it make any noises when you attempt start-up normally?

 

[pauleyman]

What led up to this if anything?

 

[geno414]

It does not make any noises & does not crank when trying to start normally. The only way I was able to get it to start was to run direct power to the relay on the starter itself. Once the starter got power it started up. There is a slight clicking noise, I assume coming from the relay. I am not sure what led up to this problem. I was having issues with my car and it had been running rough for a couple years. I decided to start work on the car, but made sure it started before I started the work. As far as electrical goes I checked every wire to make sure they were good, and also relocated my alternator. I double checked today to make sure the wires were all hooked up correctly to the alternator, but still the car would not crank over.

 

[spyderdrifter]

What is the condition of your battery? Are you having any other electrical issues?

 

[geno414]

No other electrical issues, and my battery is good and has been tested. Literally the only thing that is wrong is that I am not getting power to the relay on the starter even though everything seems to be wired correctly.

 

[dustyboner]

the starter relay get power directly from the ignition switch.
i would check the clutch switch and the theft-alarm starter relay

also the check the 2 10A fuses that are grouped together in the engine bay fuse box

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[geno414]

Thanks every one in advance for trying to help.

I checked all fuses . There all good every one. In car and in engine bey.

My engine relay for the starter clicks only powers my fuel pump . I jumped the starter relay and still a no go... I checked pretty much everything I could think of took a volt gauge to the wires inside the car under the raido I have power when I crank the key 1w volts. I tested the power to the main power wire to the starter (big power wire) I have power I then had my gf sit in my car and I tested the starter silonoid wire I have no power going to that wire and that wire only. So that's my problem I took a random spare wire hooked it up to the silonoid turned the key to the on position took the random wire and held it on the + post of the battery till my car fired up.

I need to know how to fix this problem as quick as I can means tomorrow if possible . I tried to go into as much detail as I could I really hope I can get this figured out because I don't want to go to a eBay push start. Lol

 

[geno414]

the starter relay get power directly from the ignition switch.
i would check the clutch switch and the theft-alarm starter relay

also the check the 2 10A fuses that are grouped together in the engine bay fuse box

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I unhooked the clutch safety switch years ago so I could start my car without pushing in my clutch if that's what you mean?

 

[Critic4Du3ce]

I'm having similar issues. Turn the key nothing happens not even pump comes on. Direct power to starter it cranks but still no pump. All fuses good, and for some reason my windows aren't going down. Battery is good along with a charger connected to it when I'm messing around with the car.. Sorry to thread jack OP but hopefully we both get an idea that will save the day.

 

[sixfourbolt]

Seems like fuse and/or relay issues.

 

[geno414]

I'm having similar issues. Turn the key nothing happens not even pump comes on. Direct power to starter it cranks but still no pump. All fuses good, and for some reason my windows aren't going down. Battery is good along with a charger connected to it when I'm messing around with the car.. Sorry to thread jack OP but hopefully we both get an idea that will save the day.

It's cool I hope you find out your problem to. Seems as you have the working parts I need and vise versa

 

[geno414]

Seems like fuse and/or relay issues.

Already checked all and all are good .

 

[jim95redgsx]

There is a one wire connector located behind and below the thermostat housing. It runs between the main engine harness and the starter harness. This wire carries the start signal from the starter relay to the starter solenoid (on the starter).

Make sure that this connector is plugged in.
Here's a pic:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-engine-bay-electrical-connections.298047/page-2#post-151542290

Jim

 

[geno414]

That is not connected. I haven't been able to figure out what that was. How do I connect it?

There is a one wire connector located behind and below the thermostat housing. It runs between the main engine harness and the starter harness. This wire carries the start signal from the starter relay to the starter solenoid (on the starter).

Make sure that this connector is plugged in.
Here's a pic:

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/2g-engine-bay-electrical-connections.298047/page-2#post-151542290

Jim

 

[geno414]

Thanks everyone I got it fixed it starts normal now. It was that plug I appreciate your help.

 

[Critic4Du3ce]

Man I'm going to try that plug in the morning! Thanks hopefully that's the issue for me as well