won't crank after sitting and battery charge

[jefflamonica]

Six months ago, I bought an 84 944 which started easily. I parked it at my house, awaiting funds to start work on her. Today, I tried to start it. Expected it would need a charge as it's sat so long. Voltage at 9.6 volts, wouldn't crank, so I charged it up with both battery cables removed. at 12.6 volts, I tried to start it, but starter would not engage. Headlights look good. I heard the fuel pump buzz when I turned on the key. And I heard a very slight static-like sound near the driver kick panel. Not hearing the solenoid clicking or anything. Any ideas, guys?

[Nolan197]

Batterybcould be shot mines a pain to start if the battery is low at all. Probably ab underlying issue but try either charging up the battery and using a boost setting on charger or jumping it off another vehicle. After sitting all winter my battery went from aweskme to useless. Just one suggestion though. Good luck

[jefflamonica]

Thanks, Nolan. I'm going to leave the charger on all night, BUT I have heard too many people claim jumping could harm my DME computer. NOt sure if there's truth to it, but don't want to take the chance.

[Nolan197]

When I do it I hook everything up let the donor car run for about 5 with the 944 off key out. Then leave the cables on kill donor vehicle and try to start 944. Essential just running a second battery in unison. I only run the other car to top off my charge since mine drains super fast. Personally haven't had any dme issues with this method. But I am far from the expert haha

[jefflamonica]

So, any other suggestions from the forum? Relays, fuses, ignition switch… Any sort of starter interlock from the factory security system which might be affected by disconnecting cables from the battery? Everything else (accessories, lights, door dinger, etc.) seems to be powered up adequately. And, by the way, the car is a 5 speed. I am trying to start in first gear with clutch depressed.

[jefflamonica]

Okay, in the absence of any further advice, it seems like my diagnostic progression would go something like this: 1.) Have battery load tested at the parts store. 2.) If battery passes, clean terminal connections and all primary cable connections (battery to starter, battery to heavy grounds at firewall and bellhousing). 3.) Check fuses, if any. 4.) Check for continuity from ignition switch to starter solenoid. 5.) If all else is good, remove starter and bench test? Anything I'm missing?

[fiily]

Originally Posted by jefflamonica

Okay, in the absence of any further advice, it seems like my diagnostic progression would go something like this: 1.) Have battery load tested at the parts store. 2.) If battery passes, clean terminal connections and all primary cable connections (battery to starter, battery to heavy grounds at firewall and bellhousing). 3.) Check fuses, if any. 4.) Check for continuity from ignition switch to starter solenoid. 5.) If all else is good, remove starter and bench test? Anything I'm missing?

I'll say the starter is bad, remove it from the bellhousing, bench test it with your battery and see if the bendix engages.

[Bukowski]

Warning - low-brain activity ahead : could this be the typical DME relay problem?

[944 Ecology]

Originally Posted by Bukowski

Warning - low-brain activity ahead : could this be the typical DME relay problem?

Nope, the DME relay has nothing to do with the starter not cranking the engine.

[RichardBartlett]

I had the exact same problem. Replaced the starter and solenoid and problem fixed.
I had a 13.5 volt battery, and occasionally the car would start.
Recommend changing the starter to solve the problem.

[jefflamonica]

Thanks for the recommendation. It may come to that. Bench testing it is the next step, I'm thinking. Had the battery tested today. 12.6 volts. Battery rated at 600 cold cranking amps. Tested at 567. Should be enough to crank the car. In the process of cleaning terminals, connections from primary wires, etc., I found this plug behind the engine. It comes out of the main harness which runs across the firewall. Any thoughts on what this is?

[mytrplseven]

That looks suspiciously like the connector for the cruise control servo, forward of the battery in the engine compartment. Have you checked the ground on the bell housing for good contact?