'93 J30 Does Not Start - Help...

[purplesignal]

OK...so here's my story...if you all can help me out...I would really appreciate it. I finally bought a '93 J30 a couple of weeks back. It runs great, but I tried to start the car today, and it doesn't start.

Here are the symptoms. All the electrical stuff inside the car works...it's just when I turn the key all the way, all I hear is a click...and then nothing. The A/C works, the power windows work...I believe all this implies that the battery is OK.

I tried jumping the car (I was desparate) and that produced the same results.

I read another post that said to pull the fuel injector fuse and try to start it without it...but that didn't work.

I am at my wits end. I am thinking that it is the starter, but if it was the starter, I probably wouldn't hear the click??

I have also read that it could be the knock sensor, spark plugs, or fuel pump. What should I do?

[purplesignal]

OK...follow up...

In my area, it just rained...after it rained...I tried to start my car...again nothing...

On another, site, it suggested trying to turn the steering wheel a little bit after your put the key in... I did so...and...amazingly...my car starts...

I have no clue why my car is doing this...any thoughts??

[NismoChi]

when I turn the key all the way, all I hear is a click...and then nothing.

I bet you 5 bucks that the starter is the problem.

[yodawill2000]

"On another, site, it suggested trying to turn the steering wheel a little bit after your put the key in... I did so...and...amazingly...my car starts..."

Weird ..

[purplesignal]

I am starting to think it is the starter, too. I am in the process of securing a starter...now it's a race against time...does my old starter crap out before I get another starter..

[purplesignal]

OMG...a new OEM starter is $250. Should I get a rebuilt or used one for cheaper? Autozone has Duralast remanufactured ones for $120 w/ a lifetime warranty + $60 core...should I do that??

[NismoChi]

For a starter, i wouldn't go to dealer, call the autozone and make sure they have one instock, then go take the old one out to them and have them test it, if it come out bad, pick up a new one, go home and put it on. It comes with a lifetime warranty, right. Use it when you need it.

[Defiant]

Back to step One: How old's that battery? Have it load tested. Running the accessories is nothing compared to the 2-300 amp draw of a starter motor.The steering wheel turning had to do with the column lock jamming the ignition, not starting the car. I suspect the co-incidence of yours suddenly working was just coincidence. However, yours could be just a worn contact in the ignition switch as well. Has the car had the equivalent of a boat anchor's worth of weight hanging off the ignition key? Ignition keys should be run buck naked.