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| Starter problem or something else?; Car isn't starting | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 9 2010, 11:31 PM (4,037 Views) | |
| Dark Blitz | Jun 11 2010, 11:09 PM Post #16 |
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Thanks guys! And perfect Bad Bent, these are exactly the pictures I needed to explain myself better: So, the metal pin here is where I plug the small wire giving me problems: ![]() Now on this one, I am guessing the small wire is the black one going to the starter: ![]() Now.. what is that blue wire? It has nothing to do with the starter, correct? 'cause it's definitely not on mine... On my car, the small wire is small. The black plastic around it is also broken half way and the wire looks damaged. Also, the piece that slides on the metal pin on the solenoid is like a small plastic head. I can't crimple it. I could however cut the head off and perhaps tie the wire directly to the starter but that's a bit iffy... I'll take pics tomorrow or ASAP to show you guys better but yeah, I am pretty sure this is what I need to replace. Now, how do I do that? The car runs but for some reason, starts only on my driveway. I took it out to go pick up something far away. I stopped the engine and the starter wouldn't kick in again... just that "tack" when I turn the ignition. Tried fiddling with the small wire to no avail, so I got a push and started it old school. Then when I got home on my driveway (on an incline), I tried starting the car after my return and... it started. Tried it five times, starter all five. ![]() So this is really electrical... ah electrics, I don't like so much... EDIT: Oh, I found a diagram online for the starter. Positive wire goes into battery then the small wire seems to go into the engine block or something. According to the wiring diagram, the small wire I'm talking about should pass through... Controls Engine System, then clutch pedal position switch, then junction/fuse box (behind left dash), then ignition switch, finally another fuse box with the 60a and 70a fuses. Edited by Dark Blitz, Jun 11 2010, 11:12 PM.
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| crankcase | Jun 12 2010, 12:39 AM Post #17 |
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Dark Blitz I think you have a veery simple problem. All your assumptions above are correct. The blue connector is not part of the starter wires. The damaged wire is a question, but as long as the copper is not cut, you should be fine. A little electrical tape can take care of any damaged sections of the insulation. Try crimping the connecter through the plastic. Take a set on pliers and try to give it a squeeze. I think once this connector is tightened up a bit your trouble may well be gone. If you break the plastic, it is not a big deal, At the very worst you would just need to get a new connector crimped on. You can buy the stuff to do it yourself for about the cost of a fast food meal. Please be sure to try tightening up the connecter before you spend more money or do more trouble shooting, this is especially true if it feels loose. |
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| Dark Blitz | Jun 14 2010, 09:54 AM Post #18 |
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So guys, sorry for the lack of update but I've been busy. I connected the ignition wire to the starter and tried to tighten it on the starter with some pliers. It seems to be working so far. Wire wasn't damaged after all but it still looks a bit weird. I took the car for a 5 min. run and kept trying to start it 10-15 times and it didn't have any problems. I'll run it this week and keep you guys posted about how's it going. If anything, I will break the plastic and try to crimple it on directly. Here are pics of the culprit: ![]() ![]() and now the part where the wire looks weird: (it's a bit hazy but couldn't take much better pics) ![]() ![]() ![]() Thanks to all for the help! |
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| Dark Blitz | Jul 14 2010, 05:58 PM Post #19 |
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So... after a couple times of the wire undoing itself or just lacking contact, I don't know. Had to wiggle it on/off a few times and then the car would usually start. Up until two days ago. Same problem as before... Basically, I took out the plastic thing on the wire, broke it, cut out the metal connector, replaced it by some other one I found at the hardware store, cut the wire, etc. Put it back on. After a lot of bitching I managed to tighten it well on the male part of the starter -- but the car still doesn't start. It does this electric noise again like a krrr'ing noise or whatnot. I pinpointed it to the 'main' relay in the big relay box next to the battery. If I pull it out, stops krr'ing but doesn't start. Whenever I put it back and put the key in, the car starts the weird noise without even trying to start it. When I do try to start it it goes clack clack clack from the starter. I just changed the starter for a rebuilt one, so it can't be that... right? Could it be the connector I used is not good? or somehow there isn't enough power going to the starter? What the heck is the krr'ing noise at the main relay? I don't get it and I'm getting tired of these little problems.. I'm sure it's real simple but they're becoming annoying. And on this one, I really have no idea what it can be. Any ideas guys? Edited by Dark Blitz, Jul 14 2010, 06:00 PM.
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| Dark Blitz | Jul 15 2010, 07:55 PM Post #20 |
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Any clue guys? I can't seem to modify the title for anyone to see it's a different problem so I don't know if I should keep bumping this one or create a new one... |
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| Johnny Mullet | Jul 15 2010, 08:07 PM Post #21 |
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Fear the Mullet
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You need to follow that wire and check the voltage along the way. |
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| Dark Blitz | Jul 16 2010, 01:29 AM Post #22 |
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It goes into the block I think. Can't see properly but it just goes back in the engine. Also, it doesn't explain the main relay noise.. it's really weird. I'm checking out the other person's thread with the '92 and I'll recheck all my grounds for my '99. I don't think it'll help though, especially that I can't see where the main relay comes into play. Hmm.. I just don't get it |
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| Bad Bent | Jul 16 2010, 01:49 AM Post #23 |
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Facetious Educated Donkey
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on checking voltage drop.Here's an example: One can check for resistance but that won't tell if the voltage is dropped from one end of the wire to the other. Does enough current get through? You may have to tear the wire harness apart to find the other end of that wire and as in the video, test to see if the current drops when it's connected to a 12 volt source (alligator clip to the battery) and have a multi-meter attached to the other end (+) and the battery ground, making a circuit. |
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| metroschultz | Jul 16 2010, 10:24 AM Post #24 |
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Please just call me; "Schultz"
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The bottom 2 pictures in post 18 show a wire that has been overheated. It has semi melted insulation. This wire needs to be replaced as far back into the harness as the burn goes. You may be experiencing voltage loss through resistance of the burnt wiring. When replacing the wiring, solder new wire in to replace the burnt stuff. Then use a good quality connector on the business end. Let us know if that helps. |
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| Dark Blitz | Jul 17 2010, 05:45 PM Post #25 |
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Thanks. I really need to get my hands on another multimeter... Stupid question but which setting do I put it on? the 1.5-12v battery or the ohm or...? I'll check the resistance and change the wire. I really am a hard time seeing where it goes... Also, should I not be worry about the noise coming from my relay box? It's kinda freaking me out. You guys really think it's just the bad wire causing all of this? |
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| Dark Blitz | Jul 19 2010, 08:32 PM Post #26 |
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So, hoping I'm doing everything right... I checked the ignition wire with the + sign of the battery and came out with about 11.95v.. basically, 12v at the wire. Turned the key, car seemed to be hesitating but eventually started. So I guess this means the ignition wire (as mentioned above, is burned) has to be replaced, correct? Is there any other places I should check? And also, what kind of wire do I have to use for this? And does anyone have a picture or a small explanation as to where exactly this ignition wire goes? I know it reaches the pin on the starter solenoid and then goes into the block I think. Can I pull it out or do I just cut it where it goes in? I'm afraid of damaging something here. |
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| Dark Blitz | Jul 22 2010, 06:46 PM Post #27 |
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Any help with how to replace that wire? and what kind I have to use? I'm guessing there's different gauges or sizes of wire (like thickness)... |
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| mcmancuso | Jul 22 2010, 06:54 PM Post #28 |
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Here's the wiring diagram for the starter circuit:![]() figure out what wire it is and where it goes to on here and just run a new one. You probably need 12 gauge or so wire, just bring a piece of the one there in and get maybe 2 meters worth of it. Its the blk/yel wire on the diagram it goes from thestarter to the ecu and the clutch switch. Edited by mcmancuso, Jul 22 2010, 06:55 PM.
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| Mr. Wizard | Mar 10 2014, 11:29 PM Post #29 |
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Should this black/yellow wire carry 12v to the starter or is this reduced along the way somewhere?
Edited by Mr. Wizard, Mar 10 2014, 11:32 PM.
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| David95237 | Mar 10 2014, 11:37 PM Post #30 |
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full power |
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on checking voltage drop.

9:14 AM Jul 11