Need Help ASAP, car won't start
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Camino CA
Need Help ASAP, car won't start
I'm stuck at work right now, I need help quick so I can get home.
When I try to start my car it just goes click click click click, I thought it was a bad starter solinoid, so I went to the auto parts store and bought a new starter and solinoid and replaced it. But that didn't change aything. I tried getting a jump and still the same clicking. I think it may be a bad starter relay, but I have no idea where it is. So anyone know were the starter relay on an 81 is, or have any other ideas on what the problem might be?
When I try to start my car it just goes click click click click, I thought it was a bad starter solinoid, so I went to the auto parts store and bought a new starter and solinoid and replaced it. But that didn't change aything. I tried getting a jump and still the same clicking. I think it may be a bad starter relay, but I have no idea where it is. So anyone know were the starter relay on an 81 is, or have any other ideas on what the problem might be?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shawano WI
Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (Ben Taylor)
The starter relay (solenoid) is mount on the starter so if you replaced the starter you already have a new solenoid. I would check the battery cables. Both terminals at the battery and where the ground cable mounts to the frame.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Westfield Indiana
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Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (Ben Taylor)
Also check the battery terminals for corrosion. I had that problem once, cleaned the terminals and cables and she fired right up. Another (remote) possibility is that one of the battery terminals could have come loose inside the battery. If you have a meter, check battery voltage. If you don't have a meter, then look at the volt guage in the dash (if you have one).
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From: Camino CA
Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (sharklover)
The dash is showing about 9 volts, but that's probably from me trying to start it. When I tried to jump it, it was showing over 13 volts, so I'm pretty sure all the battery connections are good.
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From: Camino CA
Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (Pete79L82)
It's an auto, so no push starting.
It started without a problem this morning, and then when me and a coworker were going to lunch I started it, then decided to take the tops off, so I had to turn it off to unlock them, after I got them off I went to start it, and it made the sound like it wouldn't start because it was flooded, so I tried it again, and I've gotten the clicking ever since.
It started without a problem this morning, and then when me and a coworker were going to lunch I started it, then decided to take the tops off, so I had to turn it off to unlock them, after I got them off I went to start it, and it made the sound like it wouldn't start because it was flooded, so I tried it again, and I've gotten the clicking ever since.
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From: Westfield Indiana
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Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (Ben Taylor)
Sometimes, no it won't even turn over. You'll just get the clicking. I would seriously pull the cables off and clean the connections. Also, the cables could be loose. It's enough to get a reading to the guage, but not enough to start it. You'd be surprised how much of a difference it can make.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: South San Francisco CA
Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (Ben Taylor)
Ben T,
I had a similar problem about three months ago and that is the beginning of the "Saga From Hell". To make a very long and sad story short, because I don't want you guys sending me flowers or candy as a sympathy token, and after $800 spent, everything is now working. Let's just say this story involves one all too patient and understanding Corvette owner as the hero and a couple of moron mechanics as the villains. Let's also say that after three starter motors, an ignition switch, a windshield wiper switch and a new gas tank sending unit....the '69 is now running fine. I may post this story in its own "New Topic" just to let my friends know what can happen when you deal with idiots.
My advice would be to make sure you're dealing with knowledgable people if you take the car in for repairs. If you get a funny feeling like they are bozos, try somebody else. If they end every sentence with the stupid phrase "and everything like that"....run out of their shop immediately and don't look back.
I had a similar problem about three months ago and that is the beginning of the "Saga From Hell". To make a very long and sad story short, because I don't want you guys sending me flowers or candy as a sympathy token, and after $800 spent, everything is now working. Let's just say this story involves one all too patient and understanding Corvette owner as the hero and a couple of moron mechanics as the villains. Let's also say that after three starter motors, an ignition switch, a windshield wiper switch and a new gas tank sending unit....the '69 is now running fine. I may post this story in its own "New Topic" just to let my friends know what can happen when you deal with idiots.
My advice would be to make sure you're dealing with knowledgable people if you take the car in for repairs. If you get a funny feeling like they are bozos, try somebody else. If they end every sentence with the stupid phrase "and everything like that"....run out of their shop immediately and don't look back.
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From: Camino CA
Re: Need Help ASAP, car won't start (sharklover)
I did get it started after twisting the positive battery cable around, I didn't respond because I drove it straight home. After I got home it looks like the plastic at the end of the cable melted and got between the battery and the wire.
If this had happened at home I probably wouldn't of had a problem fixing it, but since it was at work, I got all stressed and started acting stupid, thanks for the help guys.
If this had happened at home I probably wouldn't of had a problem fixing it, but since it was at work, I got all stressed and started acting stupid, thanks for the help guys.
