Car won't crank, need help kinda urgent ...

[d16tr]

Hi All,

I changed CPS 10 days ago, after driving for a week with no problems it died once shortly after stopping by the mall for 15 mins. So I thought next step is to change the ignition module, and I did 2 days ago.

An hour ago I went to Food Lion (no problems cranking etc.) and after 10 minutes when I came back it won't crank at all. I hear the relay clicking but otherwise absolutely no movement. Can it be a fuse? Where should I start checking?

[adventureoflink]

Whack the starter with a 2x4 or metal pipe or something? If this works, your starter is toast.

[d16tr]

Thanks adventureoflink,

I will try that. Also I forgot to tell, I checked to see of there were any error codes, and were none.

Any other ideas?

Originally Posted by adventureoflink

Whack the starter with a 2x4 or metal pipe or something? If this works, your starter is toast.

[quantumech]

Weak battery, loose or corroded ground someplace.

[adventureoflink]

Originally Posted by quantumech

Weak battery, loose or corroded ground someplace.

+1, also check for possible loose/corroded battery connection.

[d16tr]

Thanks quantumech and adventureoflink, battery has sideposts and I just changed the negative post so I doubt it but will do.

Is there a fuse that protects to the starter?

[madpogue]

Originally Posted by d16tr

Is there a fuse that protects to the starter?

No, only one for the low-current circuit to the solenoid. For the main starter motor, the wire goes directly from the battery + cable to the starter.

If the car in question is the one in your profile, there's no relay. If you're hearing a click, that's the starter solenoid, which means the low-current circuit (fuses, ignition switch, clutch/neutral switch, yellow/purple wiring) is all good. Either the starter is bad, or (can't rule this out) the engine is seized.

[d16tr]

Thanks madpogue,

Yes, that's the car on the profile. I don't see why the engine would be seized, it was running perfectly until today, never had any problems in the last 3 years, this is actually the second engine which has less than 120K on it. I must be the starter. I will let you know when I fix the problem.

Thanks madpogue and everyone else!

Originally Posted by madpogue

No, only one for the low-current circuit to the solenoid. For the main starter motor, the wire goes directly from the battery + cable to the starter.

If the car in question is the one in your profile, there's no relay. If you're hearing a click, that's the starter solenoid, which means the low-current circuit (fuses, ignition switch, clutch/neutral switch, yellow/purple wiring) is all good. Either the starter is bad, or (can't rule this out) the engine is seized.

[d16tr]

Anyways,

My wife came from work, we went to the Food Lion parking lots and the car cranked the first time as if nothing ever happened, so I strongly believe it is the starter and I will change it.

[madpogue]

^^^^ Seems like the most common cause of death for our starters is "heat stroke". It probably cooled off enough to work again -- for the time being....

[adventureoflink]

Originally Posted by madpogue

^^^^ Seems like the most common cause of death for our starters is "heat stroke". It probably cooled off enough to work again -- for the time being....

+1. I remember having to do this on my diesel van (though I never ever had to whack its starter).

[spencerforhire]

I like the term "heat stroke" to describe a starter issue that magically goes away after sitting for an hour or 2; it's a very common problem with Saturns. I always referred to it as "heat SOAK" but now from now on I'm going to use this new term.

[d16tr]

Hi All,

Just wanted to share, I found a brand new starter from http://www.rareelectrical.com/

for about $57 which is a pretty good deal in my opinion.

P.S. Free shipping ...