car not starting now....what's the deal!?

Post by **deftdrummer** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

I have changed my starter and battery within the last 4 months. The battery was 2 weeks ago. Now my car won't start...what's the deal? I know the alternator is good because I load tested it.

What is happening is the power turns on and everything like if you were to listen to the stereo, but it doesn't start. Its the EXACT same thing that happens when you try to start your car without pressing in the clutch. Do the sensors that are tripped by the clutch go out often? I think that's the problem...

However, the starter was off ebay from a guy who did an engine swap. The starter itself works fine. Only other thing i could think of would be a loose starter wire or something or the starter cylenoid, but they seem to check out fine... SOMEONE HELP!

Website · Post by **lbrowne** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

The neutral safety switch was removed on my 89 before I got it, I can start her without the clutch (better make sure its IN neutral though!)

I'm not sure what to tell you. can you jump start it? LIke get someone to push you down the road, have the clutch in, car in first gear, turn turned forward...once you get enough momentum....pop that clutch out....she if she grabs....

try that?

EDIT: also, if the car was running and you just recently changed those parts.. I'd look for loose/dirty/defective battery terminals, and DEFINITELY take a close look at the starter...the wires n stuff for it.

Post by **deftdrummer** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

yes my car is able to be pop clutch started. However, it won't start from a battery charger or another vehicle. The battery terminals being dirty is definetely out --those are so clean you could eat off them. The battery is brand new.

Website · Post by **lbrowne** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

I haven't had this problem before so I'm already starting to run out of ideas. Have you tried putting back in your old starter?

Check the connections and everything with it as well?

Post by **MikeMurphy** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

oem alarm?

Post by **KSee777** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

check to see if the switch behind the clutch is working. My 91 Sentra had the same problem because the plastic nub that pushes the button broke. If you have an alarm, check to see if the relay for the engine cut off is working properly.

Post by **NISTECH** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

blue relay in the engine compartment has 2 different size connectors pluged into it. have someone try to start your car normally while you tap on that relay if it starts replace the relay. about 18 bucks at the dealer. where the relay is i cant recall off the top of my head but if you dont find it let me know and i will look it up in the FSM tomorrow.

Post by **leper421** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

Test for voltage at the starter terminals. If thats good, check for voltage at the starter solenoid while someone turns the key. If there is voltage then your starter is shot. If there isnt any voltage getting to the solenoid the something is wrong with your wiring, fuse/fusable link/relay, ignition switch, or neutral switch.

Post by **theronin** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

check the prolock thing... sounds dumb but ya never know!

Post by **deftdrummer** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

KSee777 wrote:check to see if the switch behind the clutch is working. My 91 Sentra had the same problem because the plastic nub that pushes the button broke. If you have an alarm, check to see if the relay for the engine cut off is working properly.

hey thanks for all you guys that are helping. By the way, my dad and I tested the relay that goes over the fuse for the "clutch master" something or other in the fuse box under the hood. This came out fine for both the fuse and the relay. Also, i got down by the pedals and pressed both buttons in all the way and the car still won't start. I believe my dad mentioned using the voltmeter to check the current coming from the wires to the starter. We didn't do this however because the starter turns/turned perfectly and its from a car with low miles. Not only that but we can hear the wires clicking as they are getting signal trying to send it to the starter. (this is with the starter cables unhooked mind you)

If you could find where that box is though that would be a great help, thanks.

Post by **NISTECH** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

the interlock relay is the second relay in in your fuse relay box underhood. have someone hold the ignition swith in the start position while you tap on this relay. it is not the intial relay i described earlier in this thread. it should say on the fuse/relay box over that relay. clutch interlock and/or inhibit

Post by **deftdrummer** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 2:36 pm

well i know for sure there is only 1 thing on the box that says clutch anything, and that's the one we tested. Hmm.....

car not starting now....what's the deal!?

car not starting now....what's the deal!?

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