I get my project CRX out of the snow. I charge the battery. The car starts....I run it for a while. I let it sit overnight, then get in to start it. Turn the key to the on position and let the furl pump prime. Then turn it to start and get rappid clicking, like relays shutting on and off. The nothing.....seriously nothing. I cant turn on the lights, dashlights are out, nothing. There is power coming from the main fuse box under th hood, but there is no power at the fuse box under the dash. Now if I wait over night and turn the key back on everything works just fine, except if I try to start. If I try to start it just happens again. Any ideas?


Thanks,
Travis

 

Battery needs to be replaced.

Check it with a voltmeter. Should read 12 volts and the amperage rating.

The amps are the big thing.

 

the underdash fuse box is a big relay in essence, maybe u need a new one..

 

The battery is fine, I checked. I was thinking that it might be the fuse box. I was wondering if anyone had the same experience to confirm this. I havent had the time to test the wires going into the box, but I bet they are live.


Thanks,
Travis

 

Check Grounds, especially your strap connecting the chasis to the engine.

 

Hrm thats a good thought.....they all were good when I put the car up, but you never know......

Travis

 

I'm not too sure what's causing your problem.. But I do know that the rapid Clicking Sound comes from the Starter's Solenoid.. It usually happens when there's an Open in the Starter and the Hold In Coil isn't grounding, or when the Battery doesn't have enough power to turn the Starter Motor..

My guess would be the Battery.. --- Here's a thought though.. Just because a Battery has a Voltage reading of 12.6V, it doesn't mean that there's enough Active Material left in it to create the needed Amperage..

But anyways, Good Luck..

 

I am aware of the battery and the difference between voltage and amperage. The battery has been load tested. It also starts the cat with no problem on occasion.....just more times than not everything dies. I am goin to check the grounds and go from there. Thanks for your help.

Travis

 

check starter wire

 

When the car doesn't start, did you try jumpstarting it or what? I'm thinking possibly grounds as well, maybe the one that connects the tranny to the chassis.

The starter wouldn't prevent his lights and what not from working.

 

i said starter wire.

 

Okay, the starter wire wouldn't prevent his lights and what not from coming on either.

 

there could be a short. common problem

 

it is the ground from the engine to the chassis on or around the tranny. i have had a few of these at work, same simptoms you are describing. take it off and clean both ends with a wire brush.

 

main relay

 

Good thought on the main realy, however, that does not control all the power to the vehicle. I have found the problem......me in my infinite electronics wisdom decided that the best place to find ground while I was under the hood would be the - battery post......well that is true, it is the best place....however that wont show if there is a bad ground to the body. Sure enough, the body ground and the tranny ground had some corrosion. I cleaned them and now it runs like a top. Thanks for all your help.

Travis

 

Told you so glad that it was an inexpensive fix.