Vehicle Not Starting Troubleshooting

[FreeThePlant4201991]

Where exactly is the starter located in the sc1?

[richpin06a]

@FreeThePlant4201991 In the back of the engine below the intake manifold.

[texo0borsky]

The headlights will dim even if the battery is good. The battery and starter solenoid connections should also be checked for tightness.

[wolf2351]

Rich...sorry to be a pain. I have a 2002 Durango with a 4.7 engineand the antifreeze is always going into the reserve tank and the radiator itself is always low. I changed out the water pump, thermostat. Upper and lower hoses, heat sensor and radiator cap. Still no change. Im affraid to drive it 25 miles from my house. What else can i look for?

[richpin06a]

@wolf2351 Your durango could be running hot at times because of a defective fan.

[wolf2351]

Hey Rich....if the test light does come on when attempting to start the car, why will the light come on if the starter is bad? I'm thinking that if the test light does come on, the started would be good. Can you clarify that. Thank you.

[richpin06a]

@wolf2351 If there is voltage (light) and the starter does not turn it is bad.

[500hpsi]

first of, great video! I just wanted to add that using a test light is not the most reliable to test for good voltage. A test light will light as low as 6 volts; and, 6 volts is poor input voltage to a starter solenoid. I would rather use the a voltmeter to check for voltage at the solenoid to have better picture. you can even do a voltage drop test if you needed to further test the circuit.

[pokemonfreak15]

well its a saturn so it explains things

[jnnycliff]

It's the start

[synthvault]

Great job! This is the definitive reference for this issue in my book. This info is invaluable.

[piratesbelay]

THx for taking the time and the clarity of the video is great..

Just bought a 97 saturn sl2/manual tran w 220k miles. It runs nice, however I couldn't start it, found a burnt fuse, the chime fuse...that did the trick. I drove it around a little, turned it off...try to start it..wouldnt fire..waited 20 minutes, kicked right over. Does this sound like a "Vapor-Lock," situation or other? I've got spark at the coil and the fuel pump sounds good. Thx, Frank new/old Saturn Owner..

[richpin06a]

@piratesbelay The 97s had a defective fuel pump check valve that made the car hard to start after you shut off the not engine.I have a video in which i talk about it.

[piratesbelay]

@richpin06a Thx for the videos..I replaced the Ect sensor today, also cleaned out the radiator reserve tank. Seems to have done the trick. thanks to your videos, i'm making this $300 used-saturn a success story.

20 years ago, you'd have to listen to so many people's crap/stories, about vehicle's...

Now, I follow the step-by-step video's, without a jerk in my ear telling me how green I am, or how worthless..thx again..

[richpin06a]

@piratesbelay I only wish this internet stuff was around when i was growing up in the 60s and 70s

[cameronklim]

Ray Romano from everybody loves raymond is our commentary.

[richpin06a]

@cameronklim I bet you did not know Ray worked on cars.

[cameronklim]

@richpin06a I thought he only knew sports.. what a all around guy !!

[richpin06a]

@cameronklim He is very versatile 

[oncology718]

Hello Sir

My 2000 Nissan Frontier is dead! The digital speedometer went blank, all gauge needles (mileage, rpm, and battery) all are below zero. When i put on start postion, my dashboard lights are all dead, and it wont start. Headlights, radio and lights inside the vehicle are all on. I jump started it twice in different days, and it won't do anything. My truck is standard, do you have any ideas of what could be wrong?

[richpin06a]

@oncology718 Likely suspect battery #1 alternator #2

[toltec13]

Mr Richpin, when you were checking the solenoid with your test light, where did you connect the wire end of the test light?

[richpin06a]

@toltec13 You want to clip the other end of the test light to the ground.

[fortuna567]

hi i have cherokee 1995 v8, my problem is the cherokee don't start in parking but when i put in neutral my cherokee start normal can you help me please

[ScorpionRegent]

Check also for a bad connection to ground at the engine block. A good body ground connection may not be enough if the block ground is bad. I have seen bad engine grounds cripple quite few cars.

[richpin06a]

@ScorpionRegent Thank you for reminding everyone about that.

[mtcolors909]

97 saturn my no start problem is, insert key, rotate to start and everything goes dead, no lights clock on the radio even goes out. I replaced both ignition cylinder and switch and still get the same problem. I do get a weird sound from the trunk area almost like the trunk lock is locking or opening after i take the key out after trying to start? I have not checked the starter or the neutral switch. THANKS for your videos and help !

[richpin06a]

@mtcolors909 Turn the headlights on and try to start the car that will narrow it down a bit.Lights dim its a battery problem.

[pookycdm]

I get the dash lights and that * click * sound

I have a mazda 1999 protege DX automatic.

[richpin06a]

@pookycdm Turn the headlights on and try to start it.If you hear the click and the lights don't dim it is a good possibility the starter is bad.

[agnaeus]

I had just the same problem!!

[jorgevrod]

hey my dude,

I got a 1991 Toyota 4runner, sometimes my car dont start and all i do is hit the starter a few times thenit starts. Any explanation why my starter acting up? Man it sucks bro cuz now I got to get a new starter.

[richpin06a]

@jorgevrod Sounds like you need a starter

[missouritiger09]

thanks a bunch richpin, will use this to help w/ a chevy truck problem that is same deal lol, kinda hope its the starter its an easy replacement.

Richpin, do you think that it could possibly also be a blown fuse that may cause the same problem first noted in the video?

[richpin06a]

@missouritiger09 Yes blown fuses can lead to a possible no start

[ellenal]

Thank you so much for your video! I never would have been able to replace my starter otherwise. Knowing the socket sizes and to take a mirror with me under the car was priceless.

[vexnsiolence]

If your caaah does not staahhht.......love the boston accent..lol

[gst69man]

I would add one more thing to test in this process. if the starter had voltage but does not crank, you can jump ( bypass ) the solinoid to see if the starter spins. If so, the solinoid is bad.

Ferd

[richpin06a]

@gst69man Thank you for adding that.

[sm870621345]

YOU MADE A VIDEO ABOUT MY EMAIL!!!

[mgza2007]

The HD looks awesome!

[richpin06a]

@mgza2007 This is my first video with my new HD camera. I am glad you like it.

[foxdmulder]

thanks for this 5*****

[elantra11]

Another great video !

Is it a good idea to spray all the electric connections that under the hood ("-" to body ground, starter connections, etc) with aerosol for battery terminals ` protection (dark red sticky stuff) ? Should I even do it ?

And also, what `s the best and safe way to clean rusting electric connections (beside wire brush and cola) ?

Thank you.

[fixinggrace]

@elantra11 I wouldn't just because that stuff can make a mess and attract dirt when used on something like a starter wire. This can really gum things up. I would use silicone grease on the other connections. To clean off the rust, I would use a good penetrating oil, such as PB blaster, to break up any rust and corrsion.

[therockkkkher]

@elantra11 i hope richpin answers you cause im wondering the same thing, that battery spray really works so i dont know, maybe silicone like fixinggrace said or i use dialectric after the rust has been taken care off with wd or whatevers the best rust spray, if anyone knows what is the best rust spray, please let me know!!

[sbab83]

Just in case anyone's wondering here's a list I use to determine how much car batteries are charged. When I first was learning, I would have never thought a low battery would still show 12v.

12.68v . . . . . . . . . . 100%

12.45v . . . . . . . . . . 75%

12.24v . . . . . . . . . . 50%

12.06v . . . . . . . . . . 25%

11.89v . . . . . . . . . . 0%

I always thought a bad starter could cause the lights to dim. That's good to know it doesn't since I can't even get to my starter easily. Thanks!