Changed the plug wires, now the engine won't crank
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Joined: Aug 2021
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From: S Fla
Changed the plug wires, now the engine won't crank
It's a 94 six speed. The radio comes on, the fans come on, the lights work. Nothing at all happens when I turn the key. No cranking. Not even the clicking that a low battery would give. Nothing.
Edited to show that it's a 94 six speed.
Edit: To save everybody time, I'll just post the solution. It seems that even 11.7 volts can prevent one of these cars from cranking. Easy solution to what could look like a big problem.
Edited to show that it's a 94 six speed.
Edit: To save everybody time, I'll just post the solution. It seems that even 11.7 volts can prevent one of these cars from cranking. Easy solution to what could look like a big problem.
Last edited by Gasnmyveins; Apr 7, 2024 at 06:13 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
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From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If it ran before the you changed the plug wires, you may have inadvertently bumped a connector while doing the work. If the fans and radio work you are getting power to the fuse box at least. Do you hear the fuel pump run when you first turn it to start? Check all the connectors in the engine compartment that you may have bumped to see if they are loose.
And the most important question is do you have the FSM so you have the electrical schematics to troubleshoot if needed?
And the most important question is do you have the FSM so you have the electrical schematics to troubleshoot if needed?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
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From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
There is a fuse box along that inner wheel well and a lot of connectors on the firewall and near the battery, check to see if you disturbed something. Do you have a multimeter and can you troubleshoot from an electrical schematic? Did you possibly jar the clutch pedal position switch inside the car?
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From: S Fla
Thanks for all the advice. I would have replied earlier, but I was on the road for 4 or 5 hours. I came to see my dad and stepmom before they go back north for the summer. Nice trip, and it's nice to be here with them, too. When I get back tomorrow, I'll be able to take a look at it and hopefully find something easy to fix. 👍
Racer
Joined: Oct 2023
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From: St. Petersburg, FL
11.8 volts on a standing battery might not be enough to crank the engine. If you had the hood open for a long time and the accessory lights were on, then you might have drained the battery. Either try jumping it, or put a charger on it at 6 amps for a couple hours and try it.
Drifting
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Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
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From: S Fla
It's not that it just doesn't crank, it doesn't do anything. No click from the solenoid. Nothing. I'd think that with 11.8 volts, it would at least click or make some sign that I had turned the key, wouldn't it?
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From: S Fla
Well, I guess I'm just way too old school. I've had (on non-computerized cars) batteries with 10 or even 9 volts start the engine. Sluggishly, and with the issue in doubt, but it's happened for me. Anyhow, I jumped it from our van and it started. Unbelievable.
I remember before I bought the car. I said that I would probably have a lot of issues for a while. And by the time it was trustworthy for long road trips, I'd know the car inside and out. This is one of those learning times. I had no idea the car would be so sensitive to a 1 volt drop.
Thanks for all of your help. I'm really happy to have it running. Now I just have to find the vampire hiding in there.
I remember before I bought the car. I said that I would probably have a lot of issues for a while. And by the time it was trustworthy for long road trips, I'd know the car inside and out. This is one of those learning times. I had no idea the car would be so sensitive to a 1 volt drop.
Thanks for all of your help. I'm really happy to have it running. Now I just have to find the vampire hiding in there.
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From: S Fla
Right, but it wasn't even trying to crank. Nothing. I guess the computer needs the voltage to be at a certain level to work. IDK. I just know that I definitely learned something today.
Safety Car
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From: Saratoga Springs NY
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Sure you didnt just have bad connections at the battery and or the grounds to the engine? If you had nothing at all, but a jump worked, sounds to me bad connections at battery. 11.8 should have done something, not nothing at all.
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From: S Fla
I know, right? The connections are good, though. I've gone through and checked ground and battery connections recently, troubleshooting other issues. (My radio works now. That was a nice fringe benefit) The battery is also only a few months old, so there is zero corrosion. Everything is tight. It's just very bizarre to me. But I'll take it. My car is running again, and I'm having a lot of fun with it.
Last edited by Gasnmyveins; Apr 10, 2024 at 03:08 PM.