wont start

[crazyychriss123]

ok so, my car has power when i turn the key, the radio comes on the lights work, but when i go to start the engine nothing happens, no clicking, nothing, but i still have power. i've even tried jumping it, but it didn't do anything. i am able to push start it, since it is a manual, but as soon as i turn the key off i'm stuck in the same situation. even after driving the car for half an hour driving home from work. didn't think to check the alternator when i got home by disconnecting a battery terminal. now the car just sits in the yard not going anywhere.

i've cleaned my grounds and terminals on the battery, still having no effect. so that leaves me to believe my starter has gone bad or my spark plugs? i can't test the alternator unless i can get someone help to push, but i don't think the alternator would cause it not to start.

i don't know how to change the starter or alternator and i've never taken the spark plugs out of the car before.

[deevergote]

Plugs and alternator would not be the problem if you can keep it running after a push start.

Normally, I'd say the issue was the battery connections, since I've had a situation very similar to yours... but you've already addressed that.

That makes me think the starter. You can remove it fairly easily and take it to get tested, or you can just buy a new one and rest easy that it'll probably never go bad again for the rest of the time you own the car.

[oyajicool]

1) Remove small lead off of starter motor.
2) Make sure transmission is in neutral position.
3) Leave ignition switch in off position.
4) Take a short test lead and supply battery voltage to the terminal now vacated by (1).
5) If the starter motor cranks, the starter motor is more than likely OK.

More ideas to follow but let's see if you can perform above first.

[deevergote]

I always did that test with the starter off the car. I hate the idea of it starting with me right there... It's 2 bolts, and 5 minutes.

[BurtonRiderT6]

I always did that test with the starter off the car. I hate the idea of it starting with me right there... It's 2 bolts, and 5 minutes.

Safety first, Plus if it's bad you already have a head start on replacing it.

[deevergote]

Well... I didn't exactly do it safely... I held the starter on my livingroom floor with a pair of vise grips while my friend touched wires to it.

But yes, it's safer to test the starter with a jumper pack while the starter is held securely in a bench vise. Or, just take the damn thing to an autoparts store and have them test it for free. If it's bad, you're 2 steps ahead in buying a new one... and you have your core on hand! (I just discovered my last starter in a box in my dining room... I forgot to get my core charge back!)

[BurtonRiderT6]

Well... I didn't exactly do it safely... I held the starter on my livingroom floor with a pair of vise grips while my friend touched wires to it.

But yes, it's safer to test the starter with a jumper pack while the starter is held securely in a bench vise. Or, just take the damn thing to an autoparts store and have them test it for free. If it's bad, you're 2 steps ahead in buying a new one... and you have your core on hand! (I just discovered my last starter in a box in my dining room... I forgot to get my core charge back!)

Sounds like it had potential to get a good amount of youtube hits.

OP: Another thing you may want to check is to make sure all your grounds are properly making contact. I never gave the grounds too much credit until my buddies Civic wouldn't start because a ground was accidently left disconnected.

[crazyychriss123]

i really checked in to my grounds, but im going to try some of the above steps. also found a little more information on what the problem could be, so i really hope it works. thanks guys!

[oyajicool]

See step #3. Ignition switch in off position. If the engine starts, you have bigger problem!!

If the starter is bad, having it off from the car and testing will be a few steps ahead. But, if the starter is good, you are few steps behind. Testing the starter with a test lead is essentially one step in one direction to know if the starter is good or not.

[crazyychriss123]

started raining so im on hold for now

[deevergote]

Ok.

[1990exr]

A starter may look tiny all by its self but trust me a couple seconds with one on with the engine in gear will move your car. Is it good for it? No. Can the car still run you over even if it is turned off yes. I'm not lazy, I took mine out of the car to be safe too.

[oyajicool]

OMG. So, I'm the one who is crazy.
See #2.

Do whatcha gotta do. I don't care any more.

By leaving the starter motor on the engine, I was going to give some more idea on how to troubleshoot the starting system. Like measuring cranking voltage, check for connection on A+ cable, check for grounds and some other stuff.

[deevergote]

For the stupid stuff that goes on within this community, I'd rather give advice that wouldn't result in someone running themselves over if they do something stupid, even if there's some time to be saved.

[oyajicool]

Follow steps above while having a second person in driver's seat, holding parking brake lever in up position firmly while both feet on the brake pedal pressing hard downward. Also for extra safety, have both front wheels off the ground with hydraulic jacks lifting the car and jack stands supporting the chassis just in case a hydraulic jack fails.

And more importantly stand on the side of the car, your feet clear from falling wheels, while you are testing the starter motor because it is easier to gain access to the battery post and small terminal on the starter motor at the same time.

Never put yourself between the car you are working on and solid objects, such as garage wall, tree stumps and such.

Wear steel toe shoes, face shield, ear muffs, nomex suits and nomex gloves. Keep fire bottles handy, just in case.

Take my advice at your own risk. If I missed something and/or you get hurt due to my advice, I'm sorry. But, don't sue me or this forum and its members. It's your fault and I don't have money to pay for your damage.