Check VATS first.
Wouldn't start - had this problem before
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Mobile Alabama
Wouldn't start - had this problem before
Got out this evening and filled up with gas and afterwards - no start. I've had this problem before and it was the battery terminal posts - they seem to really get corroded. This time I pulled the cables and looked ok. I'm thinking it's the solonoid getting hot. I put a light to the starter to be sure power getting there and everytime I tried to start I got the light that power was getting to starter - what do ya'll think. After about 45 minutes it cranked with no problem. Had this problem about six to seven months ago and that's why the starter light was on but haven't had it since then. Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The large cable on the starter motor goes to the battery and has 12v on it all the time. The place to measure for 12v is the smaller wire on the starter, this is the starter solenoid wire, it only has 12v on it when the ign sw is in crank position. If you don't have 12v there in crank, then you have a VATS problem. If you will use the search function you will find at least one of my 300 posts on the procedure to find out where the VATS problem is. Ask and I will type it again for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Mobile Alabama
Thanks for imput - so I need to change starter relay
After looking at the reply if I'm looking at it correctly I need to replace the starter relay and hopefully this is the culprit. If not it would be the CCM or maybe the solonid in the starter.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
If you don't hear the solenoid clicking when you hit crank, then you need to troubleshoot the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system), and when you do, you will identify the reason why there is no cranking.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 3
From: Conowingo Maryland
A few things can cause the starter not to crank and even no noise at alll when you turn the key. These years of starters were know to get heat sunk. turn the key nothing no noise nothing at all. The Vats system is and was one of the most misdianoised security systems out there. The big problem is getting the car to act up while so you can dianoise it. I do not like throwing parts at things but if you came to me and I could not get it to act up. I would check the normal connections ect. Then if you asked what I would reccomend it would be starter. 1) becuse the car was hot when it acted up 2) it started right up after setting for 45 min thus giving time for the starter to cool down.
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