Let me start off by saying that I am new to this forum and I know jack about cars = / and hope you guys can help me out. Also I appreciate the time yous are taking out of your day to help others.


My car will not start sometimes, it turns over but doesn't start on occasion. when it doesn't start up right away i would try a couple times to turn it on and it would eventually start. more recently if it does not start right away i wait like 30-45 min and try again(sometimes it will start then or i have to repeat) but it always starts eventually.
For example one night i tried to turn my car on and it would not turn on then the next day it started up right away but after getting to my destination when trying to return home(2 hours later) it would not start and after trying a couple times to turn it on i then left it for about an hour which it then turned on.

battery is new, lights and everything turns on
i think it may be the fuel pump/ main relay(when i put the car in the on there is a fast ticking sound by my solenoids(sometimes, which i think has to do with the main relay) but I am not sure any ideas?

 

Check starter.

 

is there a simple way to do this or must i take it to a mechanic?

 

If the car actually cranks and doesn't turn on obviously it's not the starter. If the car doesn't even crank then you need to check for voltage at the signal wire that is attached to the starter via a connector. Have someone crank the engine while you test for battery voltage coming to that wire. If you got voltage, the issue is past that, which is the starter. If you got voltage then you should put the connector back and hit the starter with something while someone cranks. If it starts it's probably the starter contacts and you can get them for $15 or so on ebay or amazon or from larry b's starter contacts. It's easy to change out. It's pretty self explanatory when you get them, it will come with a plunger and you will see looking at the starter where the plunger is. Open it up and replace the starter contacts with the ones you receive.

The main relay in no way shape or form controls the starting system(starter components).

If you don't get voltage on that wire, then come on back.

 

ok i will try that and see what happens and get back at you

 

I just posted this on another thread, it could be the same problem I had. Check out this website. Especially the Quick Guide with troubleshooting links!

http://techauto.awardspace.com/mainrelay.html

 

I got my starter, alternator and battery all checked. they are all in good condition so that leaves me thinking it could be something with my fuel injector/ filter, other then that I have no clue.

 

does it crank or not ?

 

Here is a good deal if interested and if you have a local advancedauto here is the main relay that you'll need if you decide to replace it http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/b...3265/3039242-P at the cart enter promotion code TRT30 and you will get 30% off witch should make it about 41 bucks and hit in store pick up to pick it up at your local store I have been using this code for the past 6 months or so it never expires ahaha! Saved me a bit of money so far.

 

Yes it cranks

 

It's the coil and\or the iginitor under the distributor cap. I had the same problem.

I replaced both and the problem was solved.

 

So just to be clear your car started only sometimes too? because while looking up the coil and ignitor problems all i could find were the cars had a no starts problem from either or both parts being bad.

 

you need to hook up a fuel pressure gauge and drive around and lay the hood on top of it with the gauge facing you so you can see the gauge and when it doesnt start you can see if there is no fuel pressure indicating that the main relay is bad

you can get a $20 fuel pressure tester that fits our cars from Harbor Freight ... see if you got one nearby ... you will hook it up to the top end of the fuel rail