Won't Start
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
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From: Indianapolis
Won't Start
Well, I was driving my car just fine on Thursday and then Friday morning it would not start. I turn the key and nothing. No clicks or attempts to turn over.
When I put the key in and turn it to on, I hear the fuel pump go for 2 seconds. All of the dash lights appear and the security light turns off. All of the accessories work.
codes I have:
P1571H
P1626H
B0432H
I tried a new battery and still nothing. I used electrical cleaner in the key cylinder and on the key. I only have one key, no spares.
Recent work:
New plugs and wires
When I put the key in and turn it to on, I hear the fuel pump go for 2 seconds. All of the dash lights appear and the security light turns off. All of the accessories work.
codes I have:
P1571H
P1626H
B0432H
I tried a new battery and still nothing. I used electrical cleaner in the key cylinder and on the key. I only have one key, no spares.
Recent work:
New plugs and wires
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
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From: Indianapolis
No. Once the lights cycle through like they normally do, the security light goes off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,127
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From: Espanola New Mexico
So that rules out the VATS as your no crank problem, next thing to check is the TDR relay located in the passenger footwell area above the BCM. Have someone try to start the car while you listen for the relay being energized it should click when you turn the key to the start position. If the relay is not being energized you either have a problem with the ignition switch contacts or the neutral/park safety switch if your car is an auto, or the clutch depressed safety switch if you have a manual car. If the TDR is being energized then you could have loose battery connections at the starter solenoid and or a solenoid that is starting to fail, whack the starter with some type of rod, broom handle or such and see if the car will crank afterwards.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Indianapolis
So that rules out the VATS as your no crank problem, next thing to check is the TDR relay located in the passenger footwell area above the BCM. Have someone try to start the car while you listen for the relay being energized it should click when you turn the key to the start position. If the relay is not being energized you either have a problem with the ignition switch contacts or the neutral/park safety switch if your car is an auto, or the clutch depressed safety switch if you have a manual car. If the TDR is being energized then you could have loose battery connections at the starter solenoid and or a solenoid that is starting to fail, whack the starter with some type of rod, broom handle or such and see if the car will crank afterwards.
Does this mean the starter needs replacing?
this is a 1997 a4 base model with 137000 miles.
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
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From: Indianapolis
Ive been looking for the part and I’m a little confused. Also do you know if there is a guide on replacing it somewhere? I’ve tried searching and I’m not sure if I found anything that I need. (I’m a mechanical noob and I’m trying to learn as I go)
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From: Indianapolis
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
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St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Ok so I did hear the clicking in the footwell. I tried hitting the starter like you said and got nothing. Then I jumped the red and purple wire in the footwell with key in the on position and it started right up.
Does this mean the starter needs replacing?
this is a 1997 a4 base model with 137000 miles.
Does this mean the starter needs replacing?
this is a 1997 a4 base model with 137000 miles.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
Likes: 10
From: Indianapolis
With the key in the on position, I touched the red and purple wires with my jumper cable and it started right away.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
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St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
Thanks for the reply. So to be clear you touched the wires coming out of the TDR?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 799
From: Espanola New Mexico
Your are bypassing the TDR contacts and sending power straight to the starter solenoid, the wires are the heavier gauge red and violet wires coming out from the TDR socket. Always be careful and ensure the car is in neutral or in park because you are bypassing the safety features.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
I understand you can find that part at any auto part store. For future reference, do you have a specific part number or is that a generic part that fits many GM cars? Thanks.
Last edited by laurent_zo6; Jul 23, 2019 at 02:11 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 50
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From: Indianapolis
I purchased this from Autozone:
Duralast Relay 19265
Part Number: 19265
Alternative Part Number: 41-5134
It was about $26
Last edited by JLT73; Jul 23, 2019 at 02:20 PM.