94 Q45 will not start sometimes and i am new here, please help.

[soldierboy]

My 94 Q45 will not start, it will not even turn over. It makes a humming noise in the back seat and a little soft clicking noise in the hood. I know its not the battery because all the electronics still work and it starts with no problem when it is cold, but will not try to start when its hot. The Security light blinks when i turn the key, i don't know if that has anything to do with it. I only know how to fix minor things so this is out of my league. It has 167,000 miles on it and has run perfect ever since i bought it. Also it reads "transmission malfunction" but it still feels normal. If anyone can help me that would be great. I loved this car from the first time i drove it and i want to keep driving it. Is it the starter or something wrong electronically. please help me.

[DrewQ45]

Clean your battery terminals first of all. If not that, it does sound like your starter. Have someone bang on it with a lug tool or hammer while you hold the key in crank position. If it starts right up, it's the starter. The humming in the back seat is the fuel pump at work.

[goody90q45]

Also it reads "transmission malfunction" but it still feels normal. If anyone can help me that would be great.

Hopefully the "Transmission Malfunction" light is only on at startup and goes off after a few seconds. There is a self-diagnosis in the transmission section of the FSM. It's very easy to do and should lead you to the problem. Sorry I can't find the link to the FSM download but it's here on the NICO website. I get the occasional message but it always clears and the transmission shifts like a dream. You're probably due for a transmission flush and filter change to extend its life.

Clean your battery terminals first of all. If not that, it does sound like your starter.

Drew is correct about checking (and cleaning) the battery terminals first. Are both terminal clamps tight? Do they rotate on the battery post even though they're tight? I had similar problems to yours and ended up replacing the clamps.

[maxnix]

Well, tell us aboiut the maintenance history of the car.

When was the fuel pump changed? Filters? ATF? Mechanically or mere drain and refill? Ausiliary cooler?

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45