Scorch7

Hey Guys,

I searched every thread I could but didn't locate my specific problem.

In a nutshell:
-'92 hatch w/B18A1 runs superb for like 3 years then won't start yesterday
-No power to starter
-Fuel pump not priming
-CEL light is VERY dim
-sometimes hear the relay click when ignition is "on"
-new main relay (as of yesterday morning)
-newish fuel pump and filter (about half a year ago)
-no broken fuses in engine bay or under dash
-full power to electrical accessories (radio, wipers, headlights, etc.)
-radiator fan turns on when the key is brought to "start"

Any clues? Havin trouble diagnosing this with no tools an a parking lot
I appreciate all info!

vtakvtrak

starter? alternator?

Scorch7

I thought about that, but what function in the connections would cause such wierd behavior? Shorting out through the starter conections or something?

handa

Can you describe everything that happen when you turn the key (sounds, lights, etc.)?

coquitlamEG

this probably seems too simple, but i'd check your battery first. Might just be drained.

handa

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by coquitlamEG &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">this probably seems too simple, but i'd check your battery first. Might just be drained.</TD></TR></TABLE>

But he mentioned "full power to electrical accessories (radio, wipers, headlights, etc.)". If these work, it should at least crank.

Scorch7

Thanks for the replies!

Here's what happens:
-put key in and the buzzer goes off
-switch to "on"
-dash lights come on as usual except the battery light and CEL are way dim
-during this time, the main relay clicks once but no fuel pump noise
-that's it unless you turn it farther to "start" and then the damn fan turns on

Strange as hell and I'm sure it's something simple since it started with no warning, but I'm out of ideas. The battery supplies enough to power all my interior accessories and the headlights. It's probably a bad measurement, but the multi-meter reads +12.6 V across the battery terminals.

coquitlamEG

i'd still try getting a jump, just incase.

handa

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Scorch7 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It's probably a bad measurement, but the multi-meter reads +12.6 V across the battery terminals.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Try measuring battery when you try to crank the motor to see if there is slightly any voltage changes. Read it and tell us what happens.

Test out the starter voltage also and see if it's getting any power. If it doesn't, then we know it's an electrical issue, not the starter.

jameskersten1

do you by any chance have an aftermarket alarm? I had a similar problem with my car last year and i traced it back to the alarm connection at the igntion imobilizer. disconnected the ign. portion and it started up right away and havent had any problems yet. by the way it was an alphine alarm, not sure of model since it was installed when i bought the car.

Scorch7

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by handa &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Try measuring battery when you try to crank the motor to see if there is slightly any voltage changes. Read it and tell us what happens.

Test out the starter voltage also and see if it's getting any power. If it doesn't, then we know it's an electrical issue, not the starter.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good suggestion. I'll try in the morning when I have another hand

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jameskersten1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">do you by any chance have an aftermarket alarm? I had a similar problem with my car last year and i traced it back to the alarm connection at the igntion imobilizer. disconnected the ign. portion and it started up right away and havent had any problems yet. by the way it was an alphine alarm, not sure of model since it was installed when i bought the car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I do have an alarm! It's a basic Clifford unit. Did you ever reconnect after you found the problem? Where is the ignition imobilizer? Sorry for the stupid question.