Any help would be much appreciated, basically the lights/dash all come on but the starter wont crank. I've checked all the voltages at the main relay and everything seems ok except it wont click like a normal relay, not sure if its audible.

Before I go out and spend 50 bucks on a relay only to find out its something else can anyone tell me why the solenoid wont crank the starter if its getting the voltage when I turn the key? I checked with the meter, is it possible a weak battery wont crank it at all but still power the interior and dash? Thanks for any help.

Relay testing:
I was able to test everything on the relay except for 7, I tried it as a ground and positive but no luck, even tried jumping it to number 1 and 2. Even if circuit 7 was dead it should still crank without a fuel pump? 5 to 2, 4 to 8, 1 to 2 worked fine but 1 to 3 is kinda hard to test.




Modified by TraKtioN at 8:33 PM 8/15/2008


Modified by TraKtioN at 8:33 PM 8/15/2008


Modified by TraKtioN at 8:34 PM 8/15/2008


Modified by TraKtioN at 8:35 PM 8/15/2008


Modified by TraKtioN at 11:42 AM 8/16/2008

 

clean all your grounds i had the same thing going on. take steel wool to the tranny ground motor ground everything, it worked for me

 

You need to check voltages at the starter, not the main relay. The main relay has nothing to do with the starter actually cranking the motor over. There is a fat power wire, and a smaller "switch" wire that actually tells the starter to turn but noes not provide the power for the starter to operate. I belive it gorinds through the tranny/engine block.

Check for voltage at those spots. And remember, there will only be + voltage at the switch wire when the key is turned to the crank position.

 

 

It is possible if your battery is low it will not crank the motor.

The starter's take alot of current.

How ever the solenoid doesn't take alot of current to engage as it's the control portion of the starting circuit. You should hear the solenoid click every time you turn the key to start or the solenoid is fuked.

If you hear the starter solenoid clicking, but motor doesn't crank, it could be lack of current in batter, or could be the starter itself.

Listen to the starter/solenoid while someone starts your car and report back to what you hear.

Actually a video of you trying to start the car would be benificial.

 

So the volatage at the little switch wire is good? Check for voltage at the fat power wire. If you are getting voltage at those two points and the battery is good its probably your starter. Keep in mind that starters rarely go out. I would take it off and bring it to get tested at autozone but like I said I would bet that its not actually the starter.

 

Ya I dont think its the starter or main relay, but its odd that the fuel pump doesnt prime.

 

Hey I'm in Kitchener Ontario. Not too far from Hamiloton. Nice to get more fellow canucks in here.

Anyways, it should still crank without the fuel pump I would say.

If the fuel pump doesn't prime should it not be the main relay under your steering wheel? I'd listen to hear if its clicking or not. If it is, the fuel pump could be faulty or the wires going to it.

So what makes you think its not the starter? I'd check to see if its mechanically attempting to turn the motor.

 

Two things I would try are tap the started with some wood and a hammer. Don't do it too hard. Sometimes the solenoid gets stuck. Also, check the switch on the clutch pedal (if your car is a manual) to see if it is fully disengaging. Sometimes they get stuck and the car thinks the clutch pedal isn't being pushed down when starting.