Car Won't Start

sRD924s · 02-20-2003, 01:15 PM

The past 3 times i have gone to start my car, it hasn't started. Recently it has been quite cold so I figured that might have something to do with it, but today it is much warmer, and the car still wont start. When I turn the key, it sounds like it is going to start, but then it doesnt. It seems like maybe the engine isnt getting any gas. I have 3/4 of a tank and the battery is fine.

Any ideas or suggestions??

85944na · 85944na's Garage

Well you need to determine if the car is getting fuel, if it is not it is likely your fue; pump or a relay/fuse My friend's 944 that wouldn't start had a bad fuel pressure regulator, You said the car sounds like it is going to start, so then does it sputter? If so you are getting spark and it is probably fuel related. I'm sure someone here knows how to check your fuel pump, and whether you are getting fuel or not.

Roger Hall · 02-20-2003, 04:40 PM

Not sure if the procedure is the same but early 924 procedure is to disconect the fuel return line. Insert it into a large container and crank engine for 30 seconds. The mesure the amount of fuel on the container there should be at least 750 ml.

I would first check the relay its eaiser. If you read the manual it will tell you wich two conections will run the fuel pump. Just remove relay bend a paper clip insert one end into each of the terminals. Then try to start the car. If the cars runs then replace relay about $40.

sRD924s · 02-20-2003, 04:56 PM

Thanks for the tips. I will try the Relay tomorrow and go from there.

sRD924s · 02-21-2003, 08:10 AM

It doesnt appear that there is a relay for the fuel pump. There is a fuse however and I tested it and it is in fine working order.

What should I do now??

green944 · 02-21-2003, 08:20 AM

Do you hear the fuel pump running with the key on? Not sure if the newer ones are the same as the older in that respect but when mine fuel pump relay went, the fuel pump doesn't run at all. Mind you, if it sounds like it is catching a bit, it wouldn't be that. Have you checked the fuel filter?

sRD924s · 02-21-2003, 08:26 AM

I havent checked the fuel filter. How would i go about doing that? I know my friend has a mustang and you can always hear his fuel pump when you turn the key, but i never really noticed it in my car, its not too loud. But i dont hear a fuel pump running when I try to start the car.

green944 · 02-21-2003, 09:32 AM

To test the fuel filter, basically just take it off and try to blow through it. Make sure all teh fuel is drained from it first

There will be a little resistence from the filter but it should be pretty free flowing.
As for the fuel pump. I can hear mine when I turn on the key. Not totally sure that the new models are the same. Did you say that it sounded like it almost caught a few times? If your fuel pump isn't working, it won't catch at all. Just turn over.
To test the relay, I believe it is plugs 87A and 30 you jump to see if the fuel pump starts working.
You said you couldn't find a relay for it anywhere? Where all did you look?

sRD924s · 02-21-2003, 11:34 AM

Yes it sounds like it almost catches, but then dies. I looked for the fuel pump relay under the hood in the fuse box where the other relays are. Is that the right place??

green944 · 02-21-2003, 11:44 AM

Yes it would be with all the other relays. If it almost catches, then it isn't your fuel pump relay. This will cut off all fuel to the engine.
Sounds like some sort of blockage or injectors possible. Are you sure there is spark?

sRD924s · 02-21-2003, 09:37 PM

Not sure if there is a spark, I suppose I should check for that as well. Where is the fuel filter located so that i can check it?

Eleg · 02-22-2003, 03:58 AM

This might sound way off but I had a problem with starting. There would be a "click" when I turned the key. but... once or twice it started fine... then "click" again... turned out to be a starter..

sRD924s · 02-24-2003, 12:22 PM

Where do I find the fuel filter to check if that is clogged??

Roger Hall · 02-24-2003, 03:51 PM

Pradon me for asking but are you familiar with automobile mechanic's? Do you have the Haynes manual? You dont have to be a mechanic but the manual is a must in my oppinion (nice pictures and stuff). This board is great but you will still want a manual to refer to durring the procedure.

Im not familiar with the later models but on the early 924's the fuel filter is attached to the drivers side fender well. Its easy to spot.

sRD924s · 01:37 PM

Today i finally realized the fuel pump relay was the DME relay in slot G5. I jumped the relay and the car started. Now I just need to get a new relay...