Mechanic Help

[DallasCowpoke]

I had the same problem once with my 1995 Nissan 200sx. It turned out to be the starter. If you had to tap the alternator to get it to work in the past, chances are that is the culprit, you can only do that for so long.

You mean tapping the alternator actually does work. I talked to my dad and he said that doesn't work... but it works on your starter. I know I tapped the alternator and it came on several times, but not now.

:laugh2:

<Insert "I'd tap that" joke here>

 

[Boys122]

I'm not sure, maybe a loose wire from the alternator? Could it be the solenoid? I think most likely the issue is the starter, but I haven't ruled these nor the battery out.

Like I've said in this thread it could be a process of elimination, but last year this happened to my wife's Lincoln, and I had to replace the starter.

The Solenoid is directly into the starter so I changed the entire thing. It did exactly what your car is doing, everything came on but the car didn't start.

Also if you do change the starter make sure the ground in tight and the teeth are lined up properly or you'll get an annoying screetching sound when it starts all the time. There's also a spacer that belongs in there, make sure that's put back in too.

 

[Vtwin]

I would start by having the battery tested or trying a known good battery. Most auto parts will load test your battery for free.

If you determine it is not the battery try following the positive cable from the battery which might (I don't have much exerience with foreign vehicles) lead to a relay (big switch). If so try jumping the posts on this relay to determine if that is the problem. If the relay is bad jumping the posts will bypass it and send power to the starter. Sometimes the relay is built into the starter.

You could also use jumper cables directly to the posts on the starter from a known good battery to test the starter.

Even if the alternator is bad the car should start if the battery has enough charge and the starter is good. Or with a jump start. A bad alternator won't keep the battery charged but it won't prevent the car from starting with a fresh battery. It also won't effect power to lights, accessories, etc.

If you get the car running you can test the alternator by measuring the voltage at the battery posts with the car running.

 

[Vtwin]

If you don't hear a clicking sound when you turn the key it maybe the solenoid or the trigger wire.

Depending on your car, even if the issue is with the solenoid you may need to change the starter as well if the solenoid is not a stand-alone unit. On my 200sx, the solenoid and the starter were a single unit.

Here is a very useful video to trouble shoot the issue you're having.

[youtube]dGem9YsjCRQ[/youtube]

We were posting at the same time. Good vid.