89 Won't Start
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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89 Won't Start
Here is the deal. My 89 Auto has been parked in the garage for about 3 months. Before that, it started up every time.
The battery was low (but not dead) so I put my charger on it the night before.
When went to get start it the next morning, everything lights up .. but turning the key does nothing (the Brake light comes on while the key is turned).
When I turn the key to On, I hear the fuel pump start, the dash lights up. When I turn to Start, there is no clicking .. nothing dims. When I let go of the key from the Start position, I hear a faint click.
The first thing that comes to mind is the starter solenoid. But I am wondering if it could be the Security system.
When I open the door, the Security light flashes .. and it stays lit while I am trying to start the car. I tried locking and unlocking both doors with the key .. just in case that has anything to do with arming the system. I also tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours to reset the computer (I had to do that once on my Lexus)
If it is the starter, is there an easy way to test the solenoid without removing the starter from the car?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
The battery was low (but not dead) so I put my charger on it the night before.
When went to get start it the next morning, everything lights up .. but turning the key does nothing (the Brake light comes on while the key is turned).
When I turn the key to On, I hear the fuel pump start, the dash lights up. When I turn to Start, there is no clicking .. nothing dims. When I let go of the key from the Start position, I hear a faint click.
The first thing that comes to mind is the starter solenoid. But I am wondering if it could be the Security system.
When I open the door, the Security light flashes .. and it stays lit while I am trying to start the car. I tried locking and unlocking both doors with the key .. just in case that has anything to do with arming the system. I also tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours to reset the computer (I had to do that once on my Lexus)
If it is the starter, is there an easy way to test the solenoid without removing the starter from the car?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Sure sounds like a VATS issue to me.
My '88 did that once to me, and I tried my spare ignition key and it started right up like usual.
I cleaned the slug on the original key and it worked fine after that too.
I wish I had thought to try it again before I cleaned it with emory cloth.
My '88 did that once to me, and I tried my spare ignition key and it started right up like usual.
I cleaned the slug on the original key and it worked fine after that too.
I wish I had thought to try it again before I cleaned it with emory cloth.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
.....while it could be a vats problem, letting a battery sit that long could have caused a cell or two to short out and while there may be enought amperage to run some of the lights, there will not be enough to kick the starter relay or starter itself.....take battery out and bring to auto zone, advance, or pep boys and have it LOAD TESTED before you do anything else......a battery charger is virtually useless dumping into a dead celled battery......and, as was previously mentioned, check for loose connections at battery, starter, etc.....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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Thanks everyone ... tried the other key and it started right up. It is a VATS issue.
I found the VATSSucks.com site and will be building the resistor jumper tomorrow to eliminate the problem.
The amazing thing about this car is that it always starts the second I turn the key. My 01 has to crank a second or two before the engine catches. But the 89 .. after sitting for 3 months .. fired up on probably one revolution of the engine. Not bad for a 18 year old car with 139K on the clock.
I found the VATSSucks.com site and will be building the resistor jumper tomorrow to eliminate the problem.
The amazing thing about this car is that it always starts the second I turn the key. My 01 has to crank a second or two before the engine catches. But the 89 .. after sitting for 3 months .. fired up on probably one revolution of the engine. Not bad for a 18 year old car with 139K on the clock.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,845
Likes: 30
Thanks everyone ... tried the other key and it started right up. It is a VATS issue.
I found the VATSSucks.com site and will be building the resistor jumper tomorrow to eliminate the problem.
The amazing thing about this car is that it always starts the second I turn the key. My 01 has to crank a second or two before the engine catches. But the 89 .. after sitting for 3 months .. fired up on probably one revolution of the engine. Not bad for a 18 year old car with 139K on the clock.
I found the VATSSucks.com site and will be building the resistor jumper tomorrow to eliminate the problem.
The amazing thing about this car is that it always starts the second I turn the key. My 01 has to crank a second or two before the engine catches. But the 89 .. after sitting for 3 months .. fired up on probably one revolution of the engine. Not bad for a 18 year old car with 139K on the clock.
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Glad to hear the car started. 
Like I said, it only ever happened to me once.
Ever since, I always take two ignition keys with me just in case.
Like I said, it only ever happened to me once.
Ever since, I always take two ignition keys with me just in case.
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