Having A Starting Issue

porsche9442285 · 03-27-2008, 11:52 AM

Ok so I bought a 944 and the fuel relay was missing so i replaced it and the car ran for like 30 seconds or so than died sounding like it ran out of gas. I put more gas in the car thinking that was the issue but when I added more gas the car wouldn't start but sounded like it wanted to turn over. When i went to try and start it again the car wouldn't do anything. All the dashboard lights turn on but when i hold the key over its silent. I'm assuming it would be the starter wirer but my only thing is that it was working every other time prior to that. Anyone have any suggestions?

jmd_forest · 03-27-2008, 01:54 PM

Sounds like you've got the potential for several problems...but lets start with getting the starter to turn over the engine .
1) Most likely and easiest problems is that the battery is dead. Try charging or jumping.
2) Try cleaning up both battery terminals and both ends of both battery cables with fine sandpaper or wire brush.
3) Clean up both wires and connectors on the starter with fine sandpaper or wire brush.
4) Using a DVM measure voltage at large wire on starter. Should be 12V. If not (and assuming you've done steps 1,2,3 above you most likely have a short or bad battery cable. Replace it
5) Using a DVM measure voltage at small wire on starter while someone tries to start the car. It should measure 12 V while someone is turning the key trying to start the engine. If not, you most likely have a bad ignition switch. Replace it.
6)Use a screwdriver or heavy wire to jump from the large wire on the starter to the small wire on the starter. The starter should engage and turn over the engine. If not, most likely your solenoid or starter is bad. (Be careful to ensure car is in Neutral or Park; try not to get run over by the car) You can try pulling the starter off the car, pulling the solenoid off the starter, and cleaning up the solenoid plunger and cavity with fine sandpaper (I'm big on fine sandpaper) and giving the plunger and cavity a shot of Liquid Wrench ( or equivalent) before reassembly. If that doesn't work, replace the starter/solenoid.

Once you get this far, at the very least you should be able to get the engine turning over. If it still won't start, write back with what you've done and the current symptoms.

jmd_forest

porsche9442285 · 03-27-2008, 10:01 PM

yea i already put a new battery in the car and it was turning over. i didnt get to check the voltage cause my meter is at my shop. see my thought is the battery wire cause 99.9% of the time when your starter is going it will make a click noise. I am going to check the voltage at the starter to see if it is the battery wire. I didnt know if there is something with these cars inparticular that i should check up on. I also think the fuel pump is shot. I know its not the relay i just changed it and I can hear it click over.

jmd_forest · 03-28-2008, 05:32 AM

Ignition switch is a common failure. Starter/solenoid is a common failure. Corroded grounds and other connections are a common failure. Note, the starter grounds directly to the engine block through the starter body, if you remove the starter be sure to clean up the mounting facings to ensure a good connection. ( I'm assuming your car is around 20 years old or so). Regarding the fuel pump: after cranking over the engine a few times, crack the nut at the front of the fuel rail a few turns and fuel should spurt out under high pressure (take precautions for fire). If you get a high pressure spurt, the fuel pump is running. You might also try changing the fuel filter. Also, check the fuel pump fuse.

jmd_forest

porsche9442285 · 03-28-2008, 06:52 AM

oh see i didnt know there was a fuse for the fuel pump. I dont think it is the ignition switch cause when i turn the key I can hear the relay's clicking, but that is still something I'm going to check out. I have a feeling it is going to be the positive cable.