Engine Start issue...

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by jrnicl3

So, My wife was helping me out. she was turning the key on and I was in the back listening to what was going on. I could heat a "click" noise from the black relay and also a humming noise from the CDI unit. But the car will not crank. Won't start.

I have no clue about which step to take. Should I replace the coil, distribution cap, the CDI unit all together?

I have the bentley book and does not know where to start.

Thanks for your help

Okay, let's clarify a bit. Your car will not "crank" (starter does not engage to spin the engine). There is absolutely no need to change any of the items you mentioned at this point, unless you like throwing money away! Not one of those items is related to the engagement of the starter motor. One thing at a time.

The hum from the CDI is normal and it is likely functioning but that's not your problem. What is the black relay to which you refer? Where is it? Is it the square one in the picture? Is it another relay in the engine compartment where you were looking? Before we can advise, we need some more input, but you're moving ahead, and that's good

[jrnicl3]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

Okay, let's clarify a bit. Your car will not "crank" (starter does not engage to spin the engine). There is absolutely no need to change any of the items you mentioned at this point, unless you like throwing money away! Not one of those items is related to the engagement of the starter motor. One thing at a time.

The hum from the CDI is normal and it is likely functioning but that's not your problem. What is the black relay to which you refer? Where is it? Is it the square one in the picture? Is it another relay in the engine compartment where you were looking? Before we can advise, we need some more input, but you're moving ahead, and that's good

Thanks for your support. I have to admit, I have so far been patient with this issue.

Here is the picture I was referring to. Hope it helps.

[jrnicl3]

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[jrnicl3]

Originally Posted by jrnicl3

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Hey I Need help!!!!

[j911brick]

The humming noise is normal and means the CDI is working. Its when it stops humming that you have a problem. Not sure what the relay is for but I doubt it effects starting. Probably for rear window defroster or something. They changed the use of the rear relays several times and you need to consult your owner's manual to know what that one is for.

If the motor is not turning over (cranking) you need to trace the ignitor wire for the starter Its a heavy gauge yellow wire. Test it at the 14-pin connector on the rear fuse panel. You should get battery voltage when the key is turned to the start position. Sorry but I don't recall exactly what terminal on the 14-pin connector. Consult your wiring diagram. If your getting that voltage, then do the same test at the starter.

[ossiblue]

After 85 posts, I'd like to recap so we're all clear on which (of many) problems you are trying to solve first. Please post any corrections to this understanding so we all are on the same page.

You began with a problem with apparent fuel delivery, but the engine would crank over with the starter motor--it just wouldn't continue running.

Spraying fuel into the intake caused the engine to run for a brief period. (That meant your starter worked and you had spark so your ignition components were working--CDI, plugs, coil)

You discovered the new fuel pump was not coming on via the relay jumper or AFS switch.

You "fixed" the fuel pump issue, but now the starter does not engage and you have some other electrical glitches.

If the above sounds correct, please answer these questions so we can all concentrate on one thing at a time (You may have answered some of these in your posts, but I wish to put all the information in one place so it is easy to access for all.)

1. Does the fuel pump run now when you lift the plunger in the intake (ignition on)? (It should)

2. Does the fuel pump run now when you jump terminal 30 and 87a at the relay (ignition on)? (It should)

3. Does the fuel pump run with the ignition in the "on" position? (It should not)

4. Does the fuel pump run when you turn the key to "start?" (It should)

5. What exactly did you do to "fix" the fuel pump--what did you touch, connect, or disconnect?

You clearly developed a new problem since your fuel pump fix. It is important to let us know every detail of the fix no matter how trivial it may seem to you.

Depending on the answers to 1-4, above, you may still have a fuel pump problem. If you do, is that what you want to solve first?

If your fuel pump checks out, you still may have a fuel delivery/pressure problem. Is that what you want to solve first?

You have an electrical problem now, do you want to solve that first and return to the fuel pump later?

Just let us know and stay on track for one problem at a time.

[Gunter]

Originally Posted by jrnicl3

Wow, Just got the Bentley Manual. Now I need to spend some time to understand how to read the diagram and start troubleshooting.

The picture of your fuse panel shows fuses missing.

Did you do what I suggested before?:

"As soon as you get the Bentley, go to page 971-2 and check each fuse for correct size/Amperage from #1 to #21."

And did you follow the wires from the square black rusty relay under the fuse panel to see what it activates?

Check the fuses, replace the missing ones.
Follow the wires from the relay. Where do the wires go to?

We need to understand why someone made changes to the normal factory set-up and what the changes are.

Do the above and report back.
After, we'll tell you how to check the starter Solenoid for power.