3.2TLc

Hey guys, wifey went shopping....came out to parking lot and car wouldn't start. Full power good to lights and all accessories, but just a single click and could hear the relay's kicking in. The battery is relatively new along with the alternator, thought maybe she left something on, so tried jumping the battery to no avail, just the same click when attemting to start.

So, left it sit for the nite as it was late and hard to see. So, in the morning what would be a couple of things to look for before calling a tow truck ? Immobilizer, AT Gear Position Switch, Ignition Switch, Fuses/Relays, Brake Switch, Wiring Grounds, Starter Solenoid ???

Car has been very reliable with 180k, so where would be the first place to start eliminating stuff that would prevent the car from starting ? Hey, Thanks in advance.....gotta get to work, catch ya on the flip side in the AM.

ErickUa5

Tap the starter if it starts replace the starter. It'll save you from the tow truck and the savings go towards the starter, Just make sure not to turn off the engine until you get home . Lets us know the outcome

Im sure its not an immobilezer issue since it only cuts off injectors and coils not the starter.

Nicks2001tl

What EricUa5 said. Sounds like a starter if its not starting and clicking. No problem.

3.2TLc

Went to check out the car after work today.....Still just a single click and hearing relays kick in after turning key on. Tried tapping on starter, didn't respond....maybe didn't have a good angle, or should tap on solenoid ?

Also, the trans gear shifter is locked in park, so did the override to try in neutral position, but still only the one click. The immobilizer appears to be functioning normally, when turning key on .....the light comes on briefly, then goes out. When the key is turned off, there's a series of several blinks then it stops. So, it appears ok.

Next, going to check some fuses/relays and if still no go, attempt to jump the starter's solenoid. Would it be possible that the shift interlock solenoid isn't allowing the tranny out of park ? It still won't start even in neutral. So IMO, that leaves an electrical supply issue or bad ground as the most likely cause. Does this seem to make any sort of logical sense ?

Thanks ErickUa5 and Nicks2001tl for the quick responses, Your help is sincerely appreciated !!!

Nicks2001tl

Do the simple fix. It could be a ground loose or ?. You don`t replace the starter unless the starter is bad. Right? Take a second drink a pepsi and get r done. And report back when your done.

fsttyms1

Check to make sure the range position switch is plugged in and not corroded. Manually unlock the shifter and work it thru all the gears a few times. Has anything spilled on or near the center console? Check the connections at the shifter.

3.2TLc

I've manually unlocked the shifter already, no luck. Same thing.

Have not pulled the console cover to check the connections below. No known spills.
Is the actual range position switch located on the tranny up underhood, not the solenoid for the gear selector....correct ?
There has been absolutely no issues up until this incident, but things can mysteriously happen.

ErickUa5

Have you checked the oil dipstick? Hopefully is not dry
Try tapping the starter while someone turns the key.
The service manual says you can use a jumper wire from battery positive to the solenoid on the starter, if it wont start there then is definitely the starter.
There are other possibilities like a sized up alternator or anything that runs on the accessory belt.

3.2TLc

Oil is good, check it often. Gotta get someone to help me attempt to start the car while tapping on the starter. Have tried tapping it and then going inside to try starting, but no go ! Alternator and battery have both been replaced recently.

Still need to try the solenoid jumper trick to bypass all the other stuff. I'm getting a bit tired, having worked the "hoot owl" nite shift with limited sleep yesterday. May have to have a beer and a nap to think things over on. IDK, these things always seem to happen at the wrong time, as if there's ever a good time !!! Thanks man.

Nicks2001tl

Take a deep breath. A fifteen minute nap and get back to it. What`s the worst that could happen? A tow to a local shop? Sometimes when life is busy somebody else doing the work can put your mind at ease. But if your like me I will sit there with the mechanic and driving him crazy asking him a thousand questions until the owner comes over and says let us do it I will give you a ride home and call you when its done.

3.2TLc

OK, all's back to normal !!!
Thanks for everyone helping. Installed a new starter in the pouring rain. YUK....
But, all the great info on this site made everything much easier to troubleshoot the problem.
Saved a towing charge and who knows how much at a repair shop ? A relatively simple "DIY".

ErickUa5

Glad to hear that is all good.
Did you get the old starter to crank by taping on it ?

3.2TLc

Wasn't responding to banging on the starter's housing, but after tapping the solenoid itself with a jumper lead wire on.....it would spin. Parts guy said that old starters usually either seize or have poor wiring connections, but my concern was that it may be something else causing the no start. Got a lifetime warranty now !!!

Nicks2001tl