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

 

[snailspool]

Just to add in this thread, my 91 AWD primes for 3-4 seconds, as does my 93 AWD, but my 90' AWD does not. I actually found this thread because i was trying to figure out why the 90' doesnt. And im positive its the FP because i can hear my whineboro, and i see the Fuel pressure rise as soon as i turn the key into the on position, but only for 3 seconds or so.

 

[steve]

If you have a car that does it all the time try unplugging your CAS and see if it still does.

 

[luv2rallye]

And if it does most likely your fuel pump was rewired to be non-factory by connecting it's relay to the ignition key on signal.

 

[awdjosh]

Spark gets generated on a 2g using the following (note: CAS and CPS may have slightly different voltage ranges on pin 2 for 95-96 dsm but they will not be 0):

- Coil tests: Ignition problem - DSM Forums and Crank and Cam Angle Sensor Testing... - DSM Forums

- Power transistor test: How to test the power transistors - DSM Forums

- CAS: Cam angle sensor test: One coil pack not firing, suggestions? - Page 2 - DSM Forums

- CPS: Crank position sensor test: same as cam angle sensor except pin 2 is blue/white and it's crank voltage is 0.4-4.0V while idling is 1.5-2.5V

- ECU test: Check if caps inside are leaking or rotten egg smell and/or swap with known good one. Typical failing components: Troubleshooting fried ECU components - DSM Forums

- Wiring between all the above and spark plugs.

i think this is the only thing needed in this WHOLE thread of random talk. , great post btw and i was fixing to do a whole right up for him just like this...

 

[bigf4]

Try a new ECU.

 

[saechao04]

Well this is what is sounds like when I tried to prime the turbo and motor, the motor was pre-primed from the shop but just wanted to make sure. I don't know where else to upload a sound file to. It sounds like the starter is grinding against the flywheel.

ahhh.mp3 - 0.23MB

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<a href="http://s265.photobucket.com/albums/ii229/nsaechao85/?action=view&current=starter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii229/nsaechao85/starter.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />
</left>

 

[viprez586]

Make sure the starter bolts in flush. Kind of wiggle it when you put it in to ensure the teeth are meshing perfect.

I listened to the clip it's kind of hard to identify where its coming from but double check all your belts, and that the timing cover isn't rubbing on the timing belt. Double check your clutch and flywheel that everything is tight and your clutch freeplay and push rod is properly adjusted.

The wear on your starter teeth is normal and looks in good working condition. It's when you see chips and cracks that you know something is wrong.

 

[saechao04]

Thanks for the tips. I just re-checked everything and everything is to spec. I emailed slowboy and ask them if they for sure sent me a fwd flywheel and not a awd one. I think maybe the starter isn't disengaging fast enough or something. The timing belt moves real slow when I crank it over. I also tried cleaning the starter following the link below.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-electrical-wiring/190946-grinding-starts-simple-fix.html

 

[saechao04]

I think I may have found the problem, after extensive reading, I've concluded that I am not using my original starter bolts, therefore my starter is not aligning properly, gonna try junk yard on Tuesday and if nothing I'll try the dealership! Can anyone confirm my theory?

 

[shawn hall]

So I was driving down the road talking on the phone stopped in 3rd gear thought I was in 1st and stalled it. Long story short tried starting it over and over again but nothing? Had someone push me and jumped it and it started up. Drove it home and for another 2 weeks. Got back from work one day and again it wont start?

 

[EagleTalonTim]

Try cleaning your battery posts and each connection attached to the battery terminal. Sometimes the corrosion under the terminals will not give your car enough amperage to start but the lights and accessories will still come on, or sometimes it will just lose all connectivity and not allow anything to come on. When jumping your car, you usually connect the jumpers to the terminals bypassing any connection directly to the battery posts. When you push start the car, the alternator has enough power to keep it running for awhile. If cleaning the terminals fails, you probably need a new battery.

 

[jesse_fc3]

also make sure your terminals are tight!

 

[DNDK]

Hey i had the same problem only when my car is really cold

 

[dsmmikej]

Look for corrosion around the battery and starter terminals also. On a side note, corrosion that is usually visible on the outside has already begun on the inside of a wire. Or the starter is beginning to fail.
A multimeter would be a tool to test your charging system and locating electrical problems.

 

[Smurf2gGSX]

make sure the ground wire coming off your battery is good and tight, mine was kinda loose last night adn it woudlnt start but i would move the ground wire just a little bit and it would start. Also when my starter started to go bad it woudlnt start like one time a month and just started becoming more common.

 

[gearhead37683]

like others have said check your terminals and connections. but i have also had starter problems that would cause it to just click and not start

 

[kneipperk]

where my starter connects to the battery was corroded and gave me a clicking sound with no start, cleaned it up really good and worked fine for awhile, corroded again and got the same problem all over again check the connection

 

[JStoops]

make sure your battery isnt grounding itself by having a metal object loose and touching one of the posts while driving.

 

[Jimmer307]

Well there are a few solutions. So lets start with the easiest, most inexpensive and work our way down:

Clean & Tighten first, if the problem persists, than continue.
If you have the tools or resources, test your electrical system. This will lead to one of a few more answers:
Change your battery, Change your Starter, Change your Alternator, or Electrical Problem

 

[blackjdm90]

Also check the connection where it is grounded to the firewall since I had a problem like this and bought a new battery and everthing and I found out that my ground was loose so it was not holding a good connection when I would try to start it but I could jump it since I was clamping onto good clean terminals. I aslo put some felt washers under my terminals to help with corrosion problems that gave me problems previously!

 

[1990AWD]

As everyone has said, check your connections, make sure your alternator is charging the battery, but most importantly...before you go buy a new battery, check the electrolyte level and give the battery a trickle charge.

 

[98awdtalon]

i had the same problem with my first DSM it was a 98 GST. Go ahead and clean your battery terminals real good and make sure they are tight. if the problem still occurs then get a neww battery. All i had to do was clean my terminals and it was just fine

 

[velocitysport31]

Check the trigger wire on the starter it self sometimes there loose and make a bad connection

Also your starter can be going out. the Armature or brushes on the starter motor can be worn out

 

[97gst_spyder]

Yea, if your motor mounts are shot, the trigger wire will come off very easy. Mine falls off once a week...I need both motor mounts and a new connector.

 

[shawn hall]

I tryed cleaning the terminals still the same problem. Went out got a new battery and still the same. I go to start it and i here a little humm noise but wont even start to kick over. I noticed that when you touch the 2 wires that there was no spark at all? Any ideas