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

 

[Jeff822]

So yesterday I took my car out and ran some arrands, came out of the store and it wouldn't start, turned the key and got nothing, didnt try to turn over or anything, just completely dead. Interior lights worked, pop up lights worked, fog lights worked though. I messed around with the battery cables and cleaned off the positive terminal and a guy tried to give me a jump start but still got nothing. I ended up compression starting the car, drove it home and shut it off in my driveway and tried to start it up again and got the same thing, no start. Today I go out and it starts right up, I shut it off and start it back up 3-4 times. Then let it warm up and take it for a 5 minute drive. I brought it back home, shut it off and it started right back up. Any suggestions?

 

[Anubis_4_99]

So yesterday I took my car out and ran some arrands, came out of the store and it wouldn't start, turned the key and got nothing, didnt try to turn over or anything, just completely dead. Interior lights worked, pop up lights worked, fog lights worked though. I messed around with the battery cables and cleaned off the positive terminal and a guy tried to give me a jump start but still got nothing. I ended up compression starting the car, drove it home and shut it off in my driveway and tried to start it up again and got the same thing, no start. Today I go out and it starts right up, I shut it off and start it back up 3-4 times. Then let it warm up and take it for a 5 minute drive. I brought it back home, shut it off and it started right back up. Any suggestions?

Check your starter signal wire and see if it's loose. After that i would remove the starter and have it tested.

Since it started pushing it, it sounds like its localized in the starting system.

 

[joescool2008]

Could also be a loose connection on your coolant temp sensor. They are a real PITA when it gets cold out.

 

[DSM1G90]

Starter seleniod contacts in the starter needs replacing - they do get pitted pretty bad when the plunger smaks against the contacts when the plunger pulls the starter gear forward.

 

[Jeff822]

Could also be a loose connection on your coolant temp sensor. They are a real PITA when it gets cold out.

Thanks, my understanding is that with a bad coolant temp sensor the car will try to turn over but just not start, or it will start and run like dirt. I'll take it into consideration though. I already bought a new starter so I might as well replace it. If it turns out it is the coolant temp sensor I think they are only around $17 or so, so i'll just pick one up.

 

[Anubis_4_99]

Could also be a loose connection on your coolant temp sensor. They are a real PITA when it gets cold out.

Coolant temp sensor won't cause the vehicle to not crank over. Please know you're facts before posting.

 

[SEVERENI]

I had an issue a few years back same type of problem. My issue turned out to be the crank sensor would get hot and would not start the car until it cooled down.

 

[cutt]

Hey every1 i just bought a 95 talon tsi yesterday, I drove it 200 miles home, and it did great, i parked it outside last night and when i went out today to start it up it wouldnt start, just cranks over and over without acutually starting, ive read alot of threads on this but im not sure on it, the car supposedly has alot of mods to it here is the list that the owner gave me when i bought it, - Eagle Rods
- Eagle Crank
- Blue Printed motor
- JE Forged Pistons
-ARP head studs, main studs and rod bolts!
-all new engine gaskets
-2 new rear wheel bearings
- Bored .20 Over
- Counter Balance Eliminater Kit
- Big Front Mount Intercooler.
- Greddy Header and Full Exhaust.
- Greddy BOV.
- Stage 2 Clutch.
- New Aluminum Radiator.
- Projection Halo Headlights.
- 16G Turbo
- 5 Speed.
- Lowered 2" With coil over Springs
-new rear strut mount plates
-short throw shifter
-new walboro 255+filter and strainer installed late April/early may.
everything else is stock on the car.
i have spark i have fuel ive tried jumping it ive tried using some starting fluid, ive even tried to push start it, (yes its a manual). Still nothing, when i push start it you hear the fuel pump start whinning then it stops when the car doesnt start, so my question is whats wrong? any help would b nice thanks very much.

 

[92AWDHX40]

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/217951-how-diagnose-no-start.html

 

[lancedsm]

Needs some help guys No start issue I have fuel and spark my timing is right cas set right but the car floods out instantly. what I've tried is new ecu new coolant temp sensor rewired cas and coolant temp wires and put new spark plugs still no start. any help would be appreciated!

 

[DSM1G90]

Coolant temp sensor won't cause the vehicle to not crank over

What I was thinking..."huh"...?

I can see the bad sensor creating hard starts when cold since it's telling the ECU that the water temp is 177* in the system.

...why I mentioned starter contacts thinking that the motor will plain not swing over when he hits the key.

Unless the OP got the story crossed up or something....meaning that it will crank over but will not ignite...then, it would be the temp sensor.

-DSM

 

[1996tsitalon]

do you have to have your clutch preesed in to start,if so your clutch sensor could be going out that,would exsplain why you could pop start it.use to have a 91 1.8 that that happened to. hope this helps

 

[Jeff822]

Car does not have a neutral safety switch

What I was thinking..."huh"...?

I can see the bad sensor creating hard starts when cold since it's telling the ECU that the water temp is 177* in the system.

...why I mentioned starter contacts thinking that the motor will plain not swing over when he hits the key.

Unless the OP got the story crossed up or something....meaning that it will crank over but will not ignite...then, it would be the temp sensor.

-DSM

The car didint do anything when I turned the key, didnt try to turn over or anything

 

[razordsm413]

Do you have a way to check for compression? also check the cam/crank timing marks.

 

[KevinRR]

The car didint do anything when I turned the key, didnt try to turn over or anything

I had the same thing happen to me and it was the starter. At first it started out doing it once in a while. I would jiggle the key around and it would crank over and fire right up. I would do what Aubis said in post # 2, check the starter signal wire and get the starter tested.

 

[doayamaha]

could have a couple stuck injectors if it is fouling the plugs right away and not even really trying to start.

 

[Anubis_4_99]

What I was thinking..."huh"...?

I can see the bad sensor creating hard starts when cold since it's telling the ECU that the water temp is 177* in the system.

...why I mentioned starter contacts thinking that the motor will plain not swing over when he hits the key.

Unless the OP got the story crossed up or something....meaning that it will crank over but will not ignite...then, it would be the temp sensor.

-DSM

Why get all butthurt about a reply that wasn't even directed at you?

 

[Str8Tune]

Are the injectors getting fuel?

 

[gakattack456]

If you know anyone with a cam angle sensor switch with them to check. If your fuel pump starts running then the crank sensor should be fine as that signals the fuel pump. Do you have a CEL?

 

[gotboost93]

Check your fuel pressure regulator and 02 sensor.

 

[lancedsm]

OK come to find out its some kinda timing problem but i cant figure it out i unhook all my injector and spayed starting fluid in it and its backfiring through the intake but the engine is 100% timed right can a bad CAS cause this?

 

[cutt]

I had done the whole check list excluding timing check and compression check, i dont really have the tools to do those, I only have a basic mechanics tools set. The fuel injectors are getting fuel, the check engine light isnt on but it clicks on for a second when i get ready to turn it, as well as the boost guage going up about half way while its tring to start. It was really cold here today at only 19 degrees but tomorrow its suppose to be in the mid 30's ima go out and replace the ect and the plugs n wires see if maybe something in those two are bad those are most of the fixes if found on here with the same problem, (excluding that i havent seen anyone else talk about push starting it and that not working)

 

[dsmsleeeper]

This post will guide you through testing your cas
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/152299200-post2.html

If your still having trouble getting your car started refer to this comprehensive article.
http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206021

 

[strokin4dr]

Did you find the issue yet?

 

[01GSX]

Maybe the starter relay. its located behind the radio. Maybe thats what makes the noise.

thats the only thing I can think of causing the car not to crank... Besides the starter and the ignition switch.