Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are features you can't use and images you can't see. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: Join our community! |
| Help! My car won't start!; After changing engine compartment harness, won't fire | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 17 2015, 05:50 PM (1,714 Views) | |
| danielnv | Sep 17 2015, 05:50 PM Post #1 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I have been having problems with my car not starting. I bought it about a year ago and have had numerous problems with the wiring harness, so I bought a used one on eBay. Before, my car would always start if I charged to 100%, but then wouldn't start much of the time, and when I would hook up my charger, it would say the battery was at 95% usually. I changed the temperature sensor, alternator, wires to the distributor, other wires that had been spliced together, fuel pump and filter, and oxygen sensor. I decided to changed the wiring harness again, due to continued not wanting to start, but I was always able to pop the clutch. But now, I turn the key, and get the beeps, and hear the fuel pump, but no sound of the car actually trying to start at all. I am new to working on my cars, so there might be something obvious here I need to do or check for--any help is much appreciated! |
![]() |
|
| Johnny Mullet | Sep 17 2015, 07:55 PM Post #2 |
|
Fear the Mullet
![]()
|
When it won't start do you mean the engine won't crank over or the engine cranks but does not fire? |
![]() |
|
| 91 ragtop | Sep 17 2015, 08:24 PM Post #3 |
![]()
|
Did you hook up the wire to the small blade on the starter solenoid ? Ken......... |
![]() |
|
| idmetro | Sep 18 2015, 03:20 PM Post #4 |
![]()
|
connect the grounds on the back of the intake manifold? |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 18 2015, 04:49 PM Post #5 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
It won't try to crank at all, as far as I can tell. I did attach the wire to the starter solenoid, and checked it again to make sure it was on good. And I did attach the grounds on the back of the intake manifold, if that's what connects the engine to the air breather. I haven't attempted to pop the clutch yet. |
![]() |
|
| Metromightymouse | Sep 18 2015, 05:03 PM Post #6 |
|
Powdercoat Wizard
![]()
|
Use the testing listed in the starter 101 link in my signature to narrow down where your issue lies. |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 18 2015, 05:53 PM Post #7 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks, Metromightymouse! When I ran a temp wire from the starter blade and touched the battery terminal, it definitely made sounds like it would have started if I left it there long enough. I guess that's called cranking. My connection was a bit hairy so I didn't leave it in place long enough to find out. |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 18 2015, 06:10 PM Post #8 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I'm guessing this means my "new" wiring harness has a bad wire between the computer and starter? |
![]() |
|
| Johnny Mullet | Sep 18 2015, 07:07 PM Post #9 |
|
Fear the Mullet
![]()
|
There is no computer connection to the starter. The starter has a small signal wire from the ignition and a larger wire direct to the battery. When you turn the key to the "Start" position, the small wire on the solenoid powers up and voltage transfers from the larger wire to the other side of the solenoid (other large bolt) to engage it and make it crank. You can test this by.......... MAKE SURE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL SET PARKING BRAKE LOOK FOR SMALL STARTER WIRE ON SOLENOID CHECK FOR 12V ON SMALL WIRE WITH KEY IN "START" POSITION AND CLUTCH DEPRESSED Test this and post back. |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 18 2015, 07:39 PM Post #10 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I get 14.7 mv with the red probe in the spade connector and the black probe on the ground terminal of battery, when I turn the key to try and start. It stays the same even when I let off the clutch. With key turned off it goes to 0. |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 18 2015, 08:36 PM Post #11 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Well, I have run a proper wire with spade terminal connected to the blade on the starter, and held it on the battery. The engine cranks, but that's it--I guess I'm not getting a spark either. |
![]() |
|
| freegeo | Sep 19 2015, 01:07 AM Post #12 |
![]()
|
What year of wiring harness did you put in to your 96? Do you have a FSM to look up the wiring diagrams ? |
![]() |
|
| ptcapboy | Sep 19 2015, 05:34 AM Post #13 |
![]()
|
did you have the key in the on position when you did this? |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 19 2015, 07:55 AM Post #14 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
It said it was for a 96 or 97. I think I need to email the seller to get more info. |
![]() |
|
| danielnv | Sep 19 2015, 10:12 AM Post #15 |
|
New Member
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I have more info on the wire harness. It is out of a 96 with 1.3 engine like mine, automatic, and only 89k miles. Seller is saying to check my grounds into the engine, so I guess that would be the two near the starter. Will check after work. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Electrical Systems · Next Topic » |


Welcome to the all new Geo Metro Forum. We hope you enjoy your visit.


![]](http://z3.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)







2:12 PM Jul 11