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

 

[boost97gst]

Yup, the fps is for hot start enrichment iirc so even if it wasnt powered or clogged it wouldnt make you rich. Gotta be injectors or drivers. Atleast thats my guess

 

[Joshky9]

+1 for leaky injectors.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Well I finally got everything hooked back up under the hood, all fuel lines and connectors hooked up and there's nothing... no crank, no starter clicking, no noise or movement of any kind... just me sitting behind the wheel looking dumbfounded and wondering WTF.....WTF

I haven't done a search yet, but I will here in 20 min or so after I'm done cleaning all this grime off. Just wanted to see if there's any thoughts out there while I'm doing that. I'm not really into second guessing my work, but after the last couple retarded issues I've had this past week, I think it's best to get some advice before I stress out over this.....

My initial thoughts is either 1: my battery isn't adequately charged on account I've been running a little power for the lighting, however, there would still be attempts at cranking.
2: maybe I failed to hook up my starter correctly....


I'm out of thoughts for now...

 

[WES_393]

Does the battery have a charge? If so double check the starter ground. It should be on one of the starter bolts at the bell housing.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Does the battery have a charge? If so double check the starter ground. It should be on one of the starter bolts at the bell housing.

That ground was one of my concerns when installing the wire harness and yes, I did bolt it back to the bell housing. There is a charge on the battery, there has to be since all my lights light up fairly bright..

...but I don't have a tester to be certain...


And I didn't realize til now that you live here in Springs too....

 

[jayson427]

first off what did you all take apart and put back together? im pretty sure you didnt put the wires to your starter on right you probably have them backwards. the first time i ever did a starter it took my about 3 tries with the combination of wires for it to start back up.

 

[spyderdrifter]

I took the engine out to replace the water pump and head gasket. I've done DSM starters many times without a problem, but there's a first time for everything and I'm sure I could have done it this time with all the little things I've been spacing lately. Got pics of proper hook up of the starter cables?

 

[WES_393]

There is a wire going from the solenoid (smaller cylinder on top) to the starter. The terminal that doesn't have this wire gets the positive wire from the battery. The little prong gets the black clip from the wiring harness. The ground typically goes on the right-hand starter bolt.

And yes, I live in Black Forest but go to school and work in Colorado Springs.

 

[spyderdrifter]

There is a wire going from the solenoid (smaller cylinder on top) to the starter. The terminal that doesn't have this wire gets the positive wire from the battery. The little prong gets the black clip from the wiring harness. The ground typically goes on the right-hand starter bolt.

And yes, I live in Black Forest but go to school and work in Colorado Springs.

That's the issue right there.... I know I got the positive lead on the terminal with the jumper going to the solenoid. I thought nothing of it since the terminal with the tab had the loose nut and the other terminal was tight. And the car ran fine prior to removing the engine, minus the coolant leakage. These have been really long days for me.... I'll swap that tomorrow and see if she cranks over. Thanks.

 

[danieltovar]

What rockers are you talking about? The ones that open the valves? Then thats why it does not start.

the ones in between the cam loops and the lifters

 

[caseclipsegst]

Theres a ground that connects to your intake manifold from i believe the fire wall... your car will not start or anything without this wire grounded... check that as well

 

[eburg2490skillz]

Hey guys, just had a similar problem! I can't start my car, unless someone jumps it or pop it in second. When I try to turn the engine, all I hear is a clicking sound. One time my lights were flickering at idle, but only once for a second. When car is running, it runs fine. All of my electrical is within 5 months old. Altenator, battery, wires, terminals, spark plugs and wires. Need help finding the problem. All lights and Windows work when key is on the on position until it drains battery. However, it charges a lil of the battery after 10mins, but not enough to start. Please help me on this problem!!!

 

[NHerron]

Check battery terminals for corrosion and being tight. Yes interior stuff can work but under a high load not so well


Reach around below the intake manifold and make sure the clip is on the starter solenoid all the way and tight (hard to pull it off) also feel around for any loose hardware like the nut which secures the cable to the main copper stud on starter. There should also be a fairly large cable bolted on the transmission. This bolt passes though the trans bellhousing - starter plate and threads into the starter. Check that is tight as well

 

[NHerron]

Here is a pic of the main set of battery cables

Also check the fuses, I forget which one but you may have arced something if you had the battery hooked up during that time

 

[eburg2490skillz]

Same problem guys. I can only start the car by jump starting it or rolling start. Terminals are new, battery is new, altenator, spark plugs and wires. Won't start, but all lights and music work. I hear fast, mechanized sounding clicks when I try to start it. Car runs great when on and idles healthy. Terminals are on tight and wires are perfect. Car keeps its charge, but seems it doesn't have enough power to start. I would guess a bad battery cell since I need to jump it every time (only needs 10 seconds for car to start). Car will hold the charge once on so its not the altenator. Please help me out guys. Could it be a starter or relay?

 

[TSIturbo91]

Check the starter. If the starter winding is shorting or its locked up from age it wont be able to over come its own resistance and the jump could be getting it over the hump with the increased amperage.

 

[TSIturbo91]

Check the starter. If the starter winding is shorting or its locked up from age it wont be able to over come its own resistance and the jump could be getting it over the hump with the increased amperage.

 

[Talon IV]

Im gonna repeat and reitterate, check your connections... Majority of the time a loose nut or cable end will create a problem like this and try to lead you astray from the actual issue at hand. Start with the simple stuff first, check all battery connections clean the posts and terminals, retighten and go from there. Mow if it were a fuse then I would assume your car would not even start. If all that checks ok then I suggest checking how much power your starter is drawing... keep us posted!

 

[liquidsilver]

Any luck OP?

Also on that diagram, I see the battery ground to the firewall, but where does that second negative cable go? The one that looks like it just disappears behind the positive cable? I don't have that one on there.

 

[obsidian]

That second cable bolts to the other side of the starter. It just goes into the loom.

 

[jayson427]

Theres a ground that connects to your intake manifold from i believe the fire wall... your car will not start or anything without this wire grounded... check that as well

Ground goes to the coil not intake.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Any luck OP?

I got up early this morning to swap the cable on the terminals. But somehow between installing it and starting this thread, I lost my damn 12mm ratchet wrench. Lucky my boss is being cool and letting me leave for the day at 11:30 since I've been on overtime since yesterday. Gotta go get another wrench and new gasket set. We'll see where this goes after I get back home.

 

[dalesocks]

How did they felt out? Ya you have to put those back no wonder it didn't start.

 

[bryanwheat]

Sounds like some bent valves if they are falling out. There should be enough tension on them for them not to fall out unless the valves are bent. I would be willing to bet that you dropped something in the timing belt which caused the engine to jump time and that is why it won't start and that is why they are falling out.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Nobody replaces spark plugs one at a time anymore? Or lays the plug wires in the correct order while the valve cover is off.You could have saved a headache.