Dannienguyen123

Hey guys,


I replaced my battery a couple of weeks ago thinking that it was causing the car not to turn over. Well this morning I tried turning on the car and its cranking their is noise but it just doesn't want to turn over. The car runs for a few second then dies.

Could it just be the starter/solenoid? The battery is once again 2 weeks old.

jbpnoman

Does it not turn over, or does it turn over, run for a few seconds, then die? There's a huge difference, diagnostically.

Assuming it's the former, pull the starter and bench test it. You'll need a car battery (the one in your car is fine), jumper cables, and a small (6" is fine) length of small gauge wire.

First, attach one end of the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal on the battery. Attach the other end of the negative cable to the body of the starter (the bolt tab is fine). Second, attach one end of the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal on the battery. Attach the other end of the positive cable to the main power lead on the starter (it's the big nut).

Now secure the starter in place. Personally, I just stood on it with one foot. Make sure there is nothing in front of the starter gear. Now use the small gauge wire to connect the power terminal on the starter to the signal terminal on the starter. It's the small spade connector you should have removed a wire from when removing the starter.

The starter gear should rapidly shoot out and spin up. If it doesn't shoot out, your starter solenoid is shot, and the unit needs to be replaced. If it shoots out, but doesn't spin, your starter ring gear is shot, and the unit needs to be replaced. If it both shoots out and spins up, you have another problem and need to continue diagnosing.

Dannienguyen123

I don't know to much about cars. I'll try to give a little more detail. As I put the key I step on the clutch and try turning on the car. While the key is on trying to turn on the vehicle it sounds as if its going to turn over and run and as soon as I let go of the key it doesn't work.

blkSi

Was there anything else done to it before you replaced the battery? Was it running fine before? What exactly were the problems you were experiencing before your problem began with the vehicle not starting?

jbpnoman

So yeah, bench test the starter as I previously explained.

Brent1289

Yea you can bench test or just take the starter to a local auto parts store auto zone or congress auto parts etc and have them test it free of charge which would be easier and safer

jbpnoman

If this is the OP's only car, no, it wouldn't be easier. There's also absolutely nothing dangerous about the starter bench testing procedure as long as you're doing it correctly.

Too many people are scared to do basic diagnostics on their own car. Even a "free test" isn't free. You have to pay for the gas to get there and back. You also have to take the time to make the drive, and I don't know about you, but I put a value on my time.

Original's EM1

X2
bench test, starter will jerk so be careful!
good luck!

Dannienguyen123

Hey guys,

I finally had some free time to try and take out my starter. As I attempted to unscrew the bolts one which has the positive cable connected to it is very difficult to take off because the positive cable seems to go along with the bolt. (I hope you guys understood that explanation <---) Is their anyway to loosen the bolts? Also, I went ahead to check my distributor cap and rotor I found some white powder on the tip of the contact points inside the cap?

Dannienguyen123

Replaced the starter, distributor cap and rotor. Going to check the spark plugs but do you think a clog fuel filter might be the problem because I do hear the fuel pump engaging. I tried looking under both my fuse boxes but can't find the one that says "fuel fuse" or whatever name its called can someone help me out please.

Dannienguyen123

help anyone!

jbpnoman

If you hear the fuel pump working, it isn't your fuel pump fuse.

After you replaced these parts, did you verify bright white spark on all four?

To test your filter/pump, go to your local parts store and rent/borrow/buy a fuel pressure manifold gauge. Screw it into the top of your fuel filter. Turn your key to ON(II). It should spike to 36-40 PSI, and hold for at least two hours after turning the key back to OFF.