Car isnt turning on 😕
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 233
Likes: 14
From: Dallas Tx
Car isnt turning on 😕
So i was leaving work and when i tried turning my car on nothing happened, so had to tow it back home. Checked for codes and nothing only past codes i have and current are all from tpms related and my traction control. Battery is working had it load checked my connection are good. When i put my key on the on position everything lights up like it normally does but when i try to crank it or hold it on the crank everything turns off and when i let go the dash lights back up normally.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 424
Likes: 194
From: Colorado Springs
This should be in tech, but as no one has responded I will try. Possible bad ignition switch. Possible bad neutral safety switch. At least it’s a start. Try putting in in Neutral and the crank the engine. Maybe someone can advise how to test the ignition switch
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 594
From: Prescott, Arizona
You should have an inexpensive ($20 or so) multimeter on hand.
To help diagnose this, have someone help by monitoring battery voltage across the battery terminals with a meter when you attempt to start. A well charged good battery should be close to 12.6 volts across the battery terminals with no load. If battery voltage stays up at 12.6 or above during an attempt to start but dash lights go out, that points to a bad connection at the battery, bad battery ground at frame and or engine or bad ignition switch.
You say the connections and battery test good. With the battery side terminals tightened securely (11 foot pounds per FSM) you should not be able to move the cable connections at the battery by hand. If you can, there is a problem with the connection.
If battery voltage across battery terminals drops substantially during an attempt to start, that points to a bad battery, bad starter solenoid or bad starter. If so FIRST try a KNOWN good battery FULLY charged. I am suspicious of parts store load tests.
To help diagnose this, have someone help by monitoring battery voltage across the battery terminals with a meter when you attempt to start. A well charged good battery should be close to 12.6 volts across the battery terminals with no load. If battery voltage stays up at 12.6 or above during an attempt to start but dash lights go out, that points to a bad connection at the battery, bad battery ground at frame and or engine or bad ignition switch.
You say the connections and battery test good. With the battery side terminals tightened securely (11 foot pounds per FSM) you should not be able to move the cable connections at the battery by hand. If you can, there is a problem with the connection.
If battery voltage across battery terminals drops substantially during an attempt to start, that points to a bad battery, bad starter solenoid or bad starter. If so FIRST try a KNOWN good battery FULLY charged. I am suspicious of parts store load tests.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
The very first thing to check is the TDR, Theft Detterant Relay, it is located on top of the BCM in the passenger footwell area. This relay sends power to energize the starter, it should click on every time you turn the key to the start position. Verify that it is or not clicking and post back and we can go from there.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 233
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From: Dallas Tx
The very first thing to check is the TDR, Theft Detterant Relay, it is located on top of the BCM in the passenger footwell area. This relay sends power to energize the starter, it should click on every time you turn the key to the start position. Verify that it is or not clicking and post back and we can go from there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
Could be the contacts inside the TDR, loose battery cable connections at the starter solenoid, or a failing starter/solenoid. I would try the earlier suggestion of whack the starter with a wooden broom handle or long piece of wood. There is also a test which involves placing a heavy gage wire jumper between the red and violet wires at the TDR socket. Extreme CAUTION when doing this as this bypass's the requirement for the car to be in Park or the clutch pedal being depressed, it will crank over even if the car is in any gear, if the car cranks then your TDR needs to be replaced, if nothing happens then it is probably your starter/solenoid.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 233
Likes: 14
From: Dallas Tx
Could be the contacts inside the TDR, loose battery cable connections at the starter solenoid, or a failing starter/solenoid. I would try the earlier suggestion of whack the starter with a wooden broom handle or long piece of wood. There is also a test which involves placing a heavy gage wire jumper between the red and violet wires at the TDR socket. Extreme CAUTION when doing this as this bypass's the requirement for the car to be in Park or the clutch pedal being depressed, it will crank over even if the car is in any gear, if the car cranks then your TDR needs to be replaced, if nothing happens then it is probably your starter/solenoid.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 802
From: Espanola New Mexico
The starter is located on the passenger side of the engine underneath the exhaust manifolds. Follow the positive battery cable down to the starter, whack the small metal cylinder that sits on top of the starter, that is the solenoid.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2020
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From: Dallas Tx
life saver 🙏🏽 I hit the starter and still nothing i said it’s already up in the air I might as well change it wether it is or isn't the problem and after several hours and a whole lot of cussing it finally turned on lol thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2020
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From: Dallas Tx
