Mr. Rich. I have been using your videos for years. My 1996 Saturn won't start or turnover. I used my test light,as this video demonstrates, and the purple wire was getting power. I then decided to test the braided copper wire near the purple wire. When we turned the key the car started. So I assume my starter is good, but maybe not grounded?? Could you give me some advice on where to go from here?
@davidcrouch1 First is the battery good is so do the battery cables have clean contacts if so and you are getting voltage at the purple wire then there is a very good possibility the starter is bad.
1996 neon, 1993 dakota. Both cases car would not start but would turn over. No power going to ignition coil. Neon's wire harness was rubbing against the steering system. The dakota had a corroded connection... 1 wire spliced into 3 (OEM) under fuse panel under hood.
Gotta love being family mechanic when it's an easy/cheap fix. I'll take bad wires over replacing parts .
Thanks for the vids. Lots of info. Look forward to replacing bearings, ball joint, tie rods on neon tomorrow
A mi me paso algo similar, pero en mi caso fue el fusible que dice "CHIME" al lado de la consola de cambios que se trono, ni la alarma me funcionaba. Se lo cambie y problema resuelto :)
Thank you for your videos--they are terribly helpful. Is there any chance you saved the video you sent to Acogsniper666? Other than the fact that my Saturn is a 2001 SC2, our problems are exactly the same. Any clue at all would be appreciated at this point.
hey bro, so i have this 2000 saturn sl1 or ls1 i keep messing it up lol but it wont run, the starter is good, and the ignition is good too, had a full tune up new everything, but i believe the security theft system thinks my car is gonna get stolen, and i know this a defect, and i got refered to this page by someone to ask you for help, so is there away that i can bypass the system so it wont do it?
Hi rich, I checked the fuel pressure on my 02 s series ,the pressure read 57 psi , but the pressure should only be 47 psi , is it possible to have too much pressure
I'm having issues installing a new timing set , there seems to be a lot of slack between the cam gears, there was not on the old one, I have followed all instruction to the letter, all timing marks line up perfectly is this normal for new chains, will the tensioner take up this slack, please help thanx....wife's car..need it monday
Ok I think I undertand now after reading one of your earlier comments. If the test pen lights up when ignition key is turn to start position, it means voltage is arriving at the starter terminal. But because the starter did not crank, then it confirms the starter itself or some component inside it is bad. Your video is good tip for troubleshooting "car cannot start" problem.
This happened to me today. Pulled into a BP to get some breakfast, came out, no start. Nothing at all. I went out to check fuses, all that I knew to look at looked fine, went back to the car and it started. I needed gas so I pulled up to the pump and shut car off. Fueled, tried to start - nothing. My roommate came and we push-started the car. I cut the engine off in the driveway and attempted a restart. It worked then but after shutting off and attempting another start - nothing.
@samuelbrainsample How old is the battery ,are the battery cables in good condition,is the starter getting voltage when you try to start it,is the check engine light on.
@richpin06a Battery is good, 6-8 months old and it's charge was confirmed with a multimeter. No check engine light and no codes. No corrosion on the terminals. I'm ready to do the thing where you check the voltage on the starter when the car won't start per your instructions. Do you have another idea?
@richpin06a I just had the CS position sensor replaced a couple of years ago. I remember too before it failed the car stumbled 2-3 times before I got to a point where the car wouldn't start. Won't it at least try to turn over if that's failed again? I seem to remember that. BTW, we took the clutch switch out of the loop (maybe) at the gas station, trying to figure out if it was that thing that had failed. It seemed ok. I'm going to try and get it to fail again then try your test.
@richpin06a Right. My problem is identical to yours in the video. Turn key, nothing but crickets chirping. Can the starter/solenoid be something that works intermittently until it fails totally? I just took the car out to get lunch. Started right up. I actually want it busted now so I can pinpoint the problem and get started on it before the weekend is over.
I have a 02 Saturn sl2 , replaced the front and rear springs and struts, now I know the fronts have to the mounts and springs lined up correctly in relation the strut, but is the true with the rears, because in a hurry I didn't realize that there is a FLAT side on the rear strut mount, until I buttoned it back up... Does it matter....thanx
Most people probably know bump starting already, but every body should know it. I can still remember the astonished look on the kids faces when their dead car started right up.
You could do a video on bump starting a car with a low battery or dead starter. I helped a couple of kids get their car going this way, who had never heard of this, they were amazed.
Rich: The idea about reaching terminals with long screwdriver is great. Kindly do a video on how to deal with Anti Theft systems, all brands of cars give trouble, particularly domestic.
@KillerZero259 It is not bad just normal to have voltage at the starter terminal on the solenoid when you turn the ignition key to the start position and that is what we are testing here.
@KillerZero259 I put the tape on the screwdriver because voltage will pass up it from the solenoid will testing and you could hit the intake manifold.
I had clicking on my Corolla. The solenoid contacts were fried down to nothing. Pulled the starter and replaced the $12 contacts inside. Alot of labor, but she's good for another 100K
Dont trust the auto parts store to test your starter. They slam it down and clamp it on the tester which will definitely jar the solenoid enough to make it work on their bench. Spent a whole day at 2 places to be told it was good. Put back in car and wouldnt work. Took it back out, went back, got a new one, put back in, and worked like a charm. If you have already pulled it out for any reason. Guess what? You need a new one. Trust your gut.
tht happened to me cept i was getting clicking, partially. i popped the hood and had someone crank it, sparks were coming off the negative cable, and the - cable was fraying, and was coming out of the terminal, so i got electrical tape and taped it up, just to get home since i was 2hrs away, then changed the negative cable
Good tip using the screwdriver. Looks like the connection in the solenoid is bad. I always replace the whole starter, but the solenoid may be available alone. Next time I have a problem like this, I'll replace just the solenoid and save some bucks.
Now I have watched a few of your videos and you always seem to be working on the Saturn, is it that bad of a car or is it just the example car for your vids........
@studpuppy69 nope... the head blew out inside, and oil mixed into the cooling system and vice versa, it overheated and cooked the cylinder rings and warped the head... new engine for it was gonna cost me $1200 installed, and it wasn't worth it... so I junked it... I put over 200000 on it in the time I had it, so it payed for itself
One day, can you show us where the clutch interlock switch (or neutral safety switch in an automatic) arae located? How to test those would be helpful for me.
Thanks for posting.
My son had a similar problem, but it was a bad connection, I think a bad ground. Looks like in this video you checked the low amperage trigger connection of the solenoid, but not the high amperage connection. Would a voltage drop test be of any value here?
Mr. Rich. I have been using your videos for years. My 1996 Saturn won't start or turnover. I used my test light,as this video demonstrates, and the purple wire was getting power. I then decided to test the braided copper wire near the purple wire. When we turned the key the car started. So I assume my starter is good, but maybe not grounded?? Could you give me some advice on where to go from here?
davidcrouch1 2 months ago
@davidcrouch1 First is the battery good is so do the battery cables have clean contacts if so and you are getting voltage at the purple wire then there is a very good possibility the starter is bad.
richpin06a 2 months ago
1996 neon, 1993 dakota. Both cases car would not start but would turn over. No power going to ignition coil. Neon's wire harness was rubbing against the steering system. The dakota had a corroded connection... 1 wire spliced into 3 (OEM) under fuse panel under hood.
Gotta love being family mechanic when it's an easy/cheap fix. I'll take bad wires over replacing parts .
Thanks for the vids. Lots of info. Look forward to replacing bearings, ball joint, tie rods on neon tomorrow
deadman12078 2 months ago
A mi me paso algo similar, pero en mi caso fue el fusible que dice "CHIME" al lado de la consola de cambios que se trono, ni la alarma me funcionaba. Se lo cambie y problema resuelto :)
mushion1 3 months ago
Rich,
Thank you for your videos--they are terribly helpful. Is there any chance you saved the video you sent to Acogsniper666? Other than the fact that my Saturn is a 2001 SC2, our problems are exactly the same. Any clue at all would be appreciated at this point.
Thank you for your generous posts.
jmckaypowell 4 months ago
@jmckaypowell Sorry i did not get back to you sooner i just got back my internet from the recent Halloween snowstorm check your inbox.
richpin06a 4 months ago
@jmckaypowell Sorry can't send because of your lock.
richpin06a 4 months ago
hey bro, so i have this 2000 saturn sl1 or ls1 i keep messing it up lol but it wont run, the starter is good, and the ignition is good too, had a full tune up new everything, but i believe the security theft system thinks my car is gonna get stolen, and i know this a defect, and i got refered to this page by someone to ask you for help, so is there away that i can bypass the system so it wont do it?
Acogsniper666 5 months ago
@Acogsniper666 I have the answer for you but it is too long to post here,check your inbox.
richpin06a 5 months ago
Hi rich, I checked the fuel pressure on my 02 s series ,the pressure read 57 psi , but the pressure should only be 47 psi , is it possible to have too much pressure
karlakatie2215 6 months ago
@karlakatie2215 Yes it is possible,replacing the fuel filter which has the regulator built in just might fix it.
richpin06a 6 months ago
Same Exact problem I'm having. Thanks for the info.
Timothious187 7 months ago
I'm having issues installing a new timing set , there seems to be a lot of slack between the cam gears, there was not on the old one, I have followed all instruction to the letter, all timing marks line up perfectly is this normal for new chains, will the tensioner take up this slack, please help thanx....wife's car..need it monday
karlakatie2215 7 months ago
@karlakatie2215 The chains i have put in have been tight.I can not comment on the Saturn because i have not do one as of yet.
richpin06a 7 months ago
Ok I think I undertand now after reading one of your earlier comments. If the test pen lights up when ignition key is turn to start position, it means voltage is arriving at the starter terminal. But because the starter did not crank, then it confirms the starter itself or some component inside it is bad. Your video is good tip for troubleshooting "car cannot start" problem.
opsvideo2008 7 months ago
@opsvideo2008 You got it
richpin06a 7 months ago
Sorry but I don't understand your diagnosis. If the starter is bad, is the test pen light supposed to light up or not ?
opsvideo2008 7 months ago
This happened to me today. Pulled into a BP to get some breakfast, came out, no start. Nothing at all. I went out to check fuses, all that I knew to look at looked fine, went back to the car and it started. I needed gas so I pulled up to the pump and shut car off. Fueled, tried to start - nothing. My roommate came and we push-started the car. I cut the engine off in the driveway and attempted a restart. It worked then but after shutting off and attempting another start - nothing.
samuelbrainsample 7 months ago
@samuelbrainsample How old is the battery ,are the battery cables in good condition,is the starter getting voltage when you try to start it,is the check engine light on.
richpin06a 7 months ago
@richpin06a Battery is good, 6-8 months old and it's charge was confirmed with a multimeter. No check engine light and no codes. No corrosion on the terminals. I'm ready to do the thing where you check the voltage on the starter when the car won't start per your instructions. Do you have another idea?
samuelbrainsample 7 months ago
@samuelbrainsample If the voltage to the s terminal on the starter checks out i might then be looking at the crank position sensor.
richpin06a 7 months ago
@richpin06a I just had the CS position sensor replaced a couple of years ago. I remember too before it failed the car stumbled 2-3 times before I got to a point where the car wouldn't start. Won't it at least try to turn over if that's failed again? I seem to remember that. BTW, we took the clutch switch out of the loop (maybe) at the gas station, trying to figure out if it was that thing that had failed. It seemed ok. I'm going to try and get it to fail again then try your test.
samuelbrainsample 7 months ago
@samuelbrainsample I bad it would not be the cps because your problem is the engine does not turn over.
richpin06a 7 months ago
@richpin06a Right. My problem is identical to yours in the video. Turn key, nothing but crickets chirping. Can the starter/solenoid be something that works intermittently until it fails totally? I just took the car out to get lunch. Started right up. I actually want it busted now so I can pinpoint the problem and get started on it before the weekend is over.
samuelbrainsample 7 months ago
@samuelbrainsample Yes it does sound like a classic starter solenoid going bad.
richpin06a 7 months ago
@samuelbrainsample Well, now the damn thing starts every time.
samuelbrainsample 7 months ago
Comment removed
samuelbrainsample 7 months ago
I have a 02 Saturn sl2 , replaced the front and rear springs and struts, now I know the fronts have to the mounts and springs lined up correctly in relation the strut, but is the true with the rears, because in a hurry I didn't realize that there is a FLAT side on the rear strut mount, until I buttoned it back up... Does it matter....thanx
karlakatie1522 7 months ago
@karlakatie1522 Yes the rears are just like the front in that the spring fits in the seat only one way.
richpin06a 7 months ago
Most people probably know bump starting already, but every body should know it. I can still remember the astonished look on the kids faces when their dead car started right up.
binnsh 10 months ago
You could do a video on bump starting a car with a low battery or dead starter. I helped a couple of kids get their car going this way, who had never heard of this, they were amazed.
binnsh 10 months ago
@binnsh do you think there would be a lot of people interested in a video like that.
richpin06a 10 months ago
Good trick insulating the screwdriver with tape, I'll remember that one.
binnsh 10 months ago
Engine looks spotless!! Did the starter give any indications of getting weak? Thanks.
99carnot 11 months ago
@99carnot None whatsoever it was good one minute and dead the other.
richpin06a 11 months ago
Rich,
How did you know that it was not the solenoid? Did you jump the solenoid to see if the starter ran?
gst69man 1 year ago
@gst69man O it was probably the solenoid that was bad which is part of the starter so i chose to replace the whole unit.
richpin06a 1 year ago
Rich: The idea about reaching terminals with long screwdriver is great. Kindly do a video on how to deal with Anti Theft systems, all brands of cars give trouble, particularly domestic.
Avinash1943 1 year ago
this video fixed me up
Saturn S Series - Repairing the Starter
vdub74super 1 year ago
Wait, so the video about the security system was not the problem??? This was the problem?
TOMOFONO 1 year ago
@TOMOFONO Looks like i had two problems
richpin06a 1 year ago
also, rich what is bad about current being at the starter? could you explain in detail?
KillerZero259 1 year ago
@KillerZero259 It is not bad just normal to have voltage at the starter terminal on the solenoid when you turn the ignition key to the start position and that is what we are testing here.
richpin06a 1 year ago
@richpin06a so why did you replace the starter?
KillerZero259 1 year ago
@KillerZero259 When there is voltage at the terminal that i tested the car is suppose to start but my car did not which meant the starter was bad.
richpin06a 1 year ago
@richpin06a oooohhhh right i got you now. thanks for the explaination rich!!!
KillerZero259 1 year ago
hey richpin, what was the purpose of putting electrical tape on the prybar?
KillerZero259 1 year ago
@KillerZero259 I put the tape on the screwdriver because voltage will pass up it from the solenoid will testing and you could hit the intake manifold.
richpin06a 1 year ago
I had clicking on my Corolla. The solenoid contacts were fried down to nothing. Pulled the starter and replaced the $12 contacts inside. Alot of labor, but she's good for another 100K
GOPSpinMachineInOD 1 year ago
Dont trust the auto parts store to test your starter. They slam it down and clamp it on the tester which will definitely jar the solenoid enough to make it work on their bench. Spent a whole day at 2 places to be told it was good. Put back in car and wouldnt work. Took it back out, went back, got a new one, put back in, and worked like a charm. If you have already pulled it out for any reason. Guess what? You need a new one. Trust your gut.
LeakyDiaper 1 year ago
@LeakyDiaper Ben there done that
richpin06a 1 year ago
uh oh, twin cam
tht happened to me cept i was getting clicking, partially. i popped the hood and had someone crank it, sparks were coming off the negative cable, and the - cable was fraying, and was coming out of the terminal, so i got electrical tape and taped it up, just to get home since i was 2hrs away, then changed the negative cable
speacialperson12345 1 year ago
Great idea to use a long screwdriver as a meter probe 'extension'!... :o)
dericn 1 year ago
Good tip using the screwdriver. Looks like the connection in the solenoid is bad. I always replace the whole starter, but the solenoid may be available alone. Next time I have a problem like this, I'll replace just the solenoid and save some bucks.
CoolasIce2 1 year ago
Now I have watched a few of your videos and you always seem to be working on the Saturn, is it that bad of a car or is it just the example car for your vids........
sixstrings2 1 year ago
@sixstrings2 In most of the Saturn videos it is my personal vehicle done for demonstration purposes .
richpin06a 1 year ago 2
that happened to my saturn, and it turned out to be a dead starter solenoid... but that car is dead and gone now
darkfyre2k7 1 year ago
@darkfyre2k7 Did the motor run low on oil and seize?
studpuppy69 1 year ago
@studpuppy69 nope... the head blew out inside, and oil mixed into the cooling system and vice versa, it overheated and cooked the cylinder rings and warped the head... new engine for it was gonna cost me $1200 installed, and it wasn't worth it... so I junked it... I put over 200000 on it in the time I had it, so it payed for itself
darkfyre2k7 1 year ago
great video!
rleon1991 1 year ago
thanks mi car do that some times
macuazito 1 year ago
mhmmm
crystalscan2002 1 year ago
One day, can you show us where the clutch interlock switch (or neutral safety switch in an automatic) arae located? How to test those would be helpful for me.
Thanks for posting.
My son had a similar problem, but it was a bad connection, I think a bad ground. Looks like in this video you checked the low amperage trigger connection of the solenoid, but not the high amperage connection. Would a voltage drop test be of any value here?
spelunkerd 1 year ago
@spelunkerd One day is here i just posted a video on the clutch switch
richpin06a 1 year ago 2
hey rich,start position like cranking it over or ON
hp11208 1 year ago
@hp11208 cranking it over
richpin06a 1 year ago
rich if you hit the starter a couple of times u can get it to start,sometimes
hp11208 1 year ago
nice
hp11208 1 year ago