944 will not start

[WI wide body]

I'm new to 944's so be patient. This one is a nice looking 1983.

Car belongs to son and I do not know much about this car. It had some previous electrical gremlins.

Now, after starting fine a week ago it will not even turn over although the lights and other electricals seem to work.

I'm guessing that checking the ground and electrical cables to the starter should be first and then maybe jumping the solenoid to see if it's okay.

Suggestions from any 944 owners will be appreciated.

[Gawernator]

Clean all grounds, do you get tachometer bounce when turning the key? here ya go: Troubleshooting - Engine

[WI wide body]

Thx for the heads-up on "Clark's Garage."

I'll check for the tachometer bounce you mention. What's the next step if it does bounce or if it does not bounce?

[zedsn]

Hi, I would disconect and clean the + & - battery terminals and then follow the + down to the starter and clean it as well with the + cable disconnected from the post first. I would also unplug the switch wire at the starter and clean the spake terminal as well. If that doesn't do it I would remove the starter ( 2 bolts) and take it somewhere to test it and go from there. The next step if the starter checks out would be the ignition switch.

[mytrplseven]

After cleaning all the terminals, including the battery, I'd also put a volt meter on the battery and see if you've got at least 12 volts. The lights and other stuff might show ok but the battery doesn't have the capability, when it's marginal, to handle the load of the starter. Try it with a jumper cable from another battery and see if it starts. If it does then I'd suspect your battery is shot. That being the case, after the car is running, check the volts for around 13.8 volts to verify that your alternator is charging. If you don't then it's the alternator and that could be a number of things from a loose alternator belt to a voltage regulator on the back of the alternator to the alternator itself. Any good autoparts store will give you a complimentary check of the systems for free.

[zedsn]

I personally would not jump a 944. The computer might be fried in the process. My 2 cents.

[WI wide body]

Thx to all.

I will report outcome.

[GreenWater]

You won't get any tach bounce if the car isn't turning over. If the car is turning over but not starting then check for tach bounce and go from there. Let us know what happens after cleaning and checking the starter and cables.

[Gawernator]

Why do people say jumping the car will fry the DME? I've done it once, wasn't thrilled about it. Why is a 944 so fragile compared to.. Most cars then? I don't get it.