Starting problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Williamsville NY
Starting problem
I have an 89 with automatic trans. Occasionally when I turn the key to engage the starter I get nothing. The dash lights and accessories work but the starter will not engage. The problem is intermittent. The car can be cold or hot. There's no pattern of when it will start and when it won't. Anyone have any experience with this issue? I've had the car in the shop but they couldn't find the problem
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 103
From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
I have an 89 with automatic trans. Occasionally when I turn the key to engage the starter I get nothing. The dash lights and accessories work but the starter will not engage. The problem is intermittent. The car can be cold or hot. There's no pattern of when it will start and when it won't. Anyone have any experience with this issue? I've had the car in the shop but they couldn't find the problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
From: Williamsville NY
Starting problem
I've checked the battery cables and other connections. everything looks brand new, no corrosion at all. I'll have the mechanic check the starter. The challenge is the problem is intermittent, very frustrating. Thanks for the reply.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Austin Tx
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,319
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
When it won't start, that is when you should do some diagnostics. Your mechanic will never find anything if it cranks ok. Jump the gear selector switch (at the base of the gear shift lever) and try a crank. If no crank, jump 12v to the jumper, the starter should crank proving the starter is ok. If the starter proves ok, and the key won't crank it, then you probably need a new ign lock which will have new contacts that make connection to the pellet. You can also pull the hush panel above the drivers feet and find the 2 wires from above the steering column that go to a 2 pin connector and unplug it. Insert your key and measure the resistance across the wires from the steering column. It should measure the same resistance as the pellet. If more than 4% from the assigned resistor value or over 13k ohms, you need a new ign lock.