Car Not Starting

[arbita1]

When I turn the key...nothing happens. The engine doesn't crank. Plus I hear this buzzing/humming sound coming from the cigarette lighter area.

The battery is fine. It has 12V and all electrical items work.

I've tapped on the DME and banged on the starter.

Any ideas????

[Techno Duck]

Have you checked the ignition switch?

[arbita1]

No. Is there a procedure to do it?

Actually I see Clarks has a procedure. I'll check that out.

[Lawrence Coppari]

Sometimes a bad connection at the battery terminal can cause a vehicle not to turn over. Electrical things that don't require much amperage will work but starter will not turn the engine over. Try cleaning battery posts and cables where they connect to battery.

This can be tested by turning on the interior light. If it goes out (or nearly so) when you turn key to start, a bad connection is more than likely your problem.

[todd84944]

Also, check the connections at the starter. They can get messed up and need cleaning sometimes.

[Razorback1980]

The key is to check everything at the starter. Do you have 12 to 14 volts on the large post of the starter? If not, clean battery cables (both ends) and try again. If you do, then check the small wire while the key is in the start position. If not, the problem is probably the ignition switch. If you do, then grounds are the problem or the starter is bad.

[todd84944]

Have you tried to push start it??

[arbita1]

Ok...so got around to checking this out this morning.

The batter is fine. It is about 65% charged with over 12 volts. When I try to start the car, the interior lights do not dim.

Then I did the starter check. Connected two leads to the starter, touched them together...and all I got was a spark from the leads. The starter didn't turn.

So does that mean the starter is bad? If so, how do I know if it's the solenoid so I don't have to replace the whole thing?

[Eldorado]

what gague wire did you use at the starter?

[arbita1]

I'm pretty sure I used 12 ga. wire.

[arbita1]

So I decided to look into the buzzing noise inside the dash. I took off the panel above the glove box but I could not tell what it is. Seems to be deep inside there. I'm thinking it's HVAC related...and has nothing to do with my No Start issue. When I put my finger over the tube that brings in air to determine the cabin air temp, the buzzing gets quieter.

So any opinions before I drop $ 150 on a new starter. Performance Products sells the solenoids for $ 50. I'd rather go that route...but how do I determine if that is the problem.

[Razorback1980]

If the solenoid is bad it will usually (not always) make a clicking sound. You probably need to replace the starter although the local auto parts store will check it for you.

[arbita1]

No clicking sound.

I wish you had given me that idea earlier. I could have done that today. Oh well.

[Razorback1980]

I would strongly suggest you take it to the auto parts store and ask them to test it. That's the easiest way. I would also suggest that you buy some dielectric grease to put on the wires when you bolt them to the new starter or back to your old one. Clean the terminals on the wires real well with a wire brush or some similar tool to make sure you are getting good contact there as that is the main power for the car and very critical.

[arbita1]

Originally posted by Razorback1980
I would strongly suggest you take it to the auto parts store and ask them to test it. That's the easiest way.

I did this today at Autozone. Starter failed all tests so I guess it's bad. Thanks for your help.