Assistance needed with "no start" condition
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Assistance needed with "no start" condition
Tried to start the 91 this AM. Would not crank. No clicking, headlights do not dim when ignition is put in the start position. Pulled codes - thought the VATS had failed. No codes. Got a groan from the starter on last attempt, then nothing. Would like to avoid a tow bill if not needed. What else should I check before I call the flatbed?
All help appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
All help appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,832
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From: Canton GA
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St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'10-'11-'12
Re: Assistance needed with "no start" condition (Steel Blue 91)
Are you sure you heard the groan from the starter? Did it try to turn the engine over? The lack of dimming lights says it never even tried to engage the starter (pointing to VATS), but when you heard the "groan", did the lights dim? You can try cleaning the battery contacts (throw a meter on the battery while you're there too). Clean the key contacts and run the key in and out of the ignition a few times.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: Camden SC
Re: Assistance needed with "no start" condition (92Shawnster)
If the starter does "groan", sure sounds like a battery/high amperage problem. If you have a volt meter, check voltage across the terminals. Then, as posted above, clean the terminals. Check underneath for the cable going to the large starter post. The nut can sometimes back off on torque and not allow full current. If you have no volt meter etc. you could do it the hard way, remove battery, and have it checked somewhere you trust.
Has the battery been in service more than 3-5 years?
Let us know.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Has the battery been in service more than 3-5 years?
Let us know.
dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: Assistance needed with "no start" condition (88JDO)
Thanks for all the info. Did all the checks. Finally I did it the old fashioned way, jacked it up, left the key in the on position, made sure there was power to the "hot" terminal, jumped the terminals on the starter and heard the soleniod click. Looks like it might be the starter motor.
