Starting Problem not the starter

[bangstanger]

I am sure there is a thread somewhere with what I need...but I cant find it. I own a 91 24osx and now it wont start. One day it was going fine, turned off, and roughly 10 min later would not start. In my attempts to fix it I have had the starter checked at the local parts store. It was fine. I have replaced the battery...the old one was questionable. I have tested the clutch switch on the pedal and determined that is not the problem. I have found the relay in the fenderwell behind the pass headlight (blue with 2 leads) and it does click when the key is turned. I was told a clicking relay is working..?

I have checked the voltage on both wires to the starter solenoid. Both are at 11-13 volts and there is continuity. With the key in start I get a strong light on the smaller of the two. I do not know if there is a relay somewhere that isnt working, or if or how to check one. Any advise would be great....I really cant afford to put this car in the shop...but thats why we're here eh?

thanks alot

Carl

[ka24e510]

to test this system properly it will take 2 people so have a buddy standing near by. you will have one person hold the key in the start position and have the clutch pressed, the other person will take a screw driver handle and smack the blue starter relay, if the car starts cranking, its the relay. if not, you will need a test light. have the one person still hold the key in the start position/clutch pressed and check the signal wire at the starter(black with yellow stripe?) and see if the test light lights up. if not, you have an electrical problem. if it lights, then smack the starter with a long hard object or crawl under and smack with a hammer. when the car starts, you will know that the peice of crap autozone starter is no good but only when it gets hot and locks up but when it cools down it will always test good. if that is the case, replace with expensive dealer unit and pay the core charge. if it was something electrical, take the car to the dealer and pay the diagnosis charge, it will save you alot of money in the end to pinpoint the exact issue, then you wont have to throw a bunch of parts at the car spending hundred's of dollars to not fix it.

[bangstanger]

Ok I have checked the test light and the wire to the starter...lights with key on goes out when released...goin to try the smack the relay trick.. the starter was from the dealer bout 8 months to a year ago, before I got the car. And has the problem hot or cold...still checked ok on the computer at the parts store. Also tried the smack the starter test out of desperation...no effect. To note I have checked the lead wire from the starter all the way back as far as I can for continuity and power with key on...all seems good... is it possible that a bad ground somewhere could cause this? I have checked and rechecked all connections that I can find. Thanks for the advice and I will go check the relay

Carl

[Neejay]

I just had this same problem. Sometimes I had to hold the key turned for like 4-5 seconds, then it would start trying to crank slowly. One time it wouldnt do anyting and like 3 hours later it crunk right up. I had my starter tested vs. a new starter and they were putting out the same voltage. Went back to my mechanic and another mechanic there said it was my "neutral position switch" or seomthing (I got an auto so it had to do with being in park). My mechanic just installed a kill switch. It just got installed wednesday, so I'll update you to let you know how it works out, but so far it has started everytime.

It might just be a connection loose or going bad.

[brianbrannon]

just had same problem. Pulled starter and cleaned area where starter touches bell housing and starts fine now. Too much corrosion was keeping it from working