Auto Repair Articles

1983 Ford Thunderbird 5.0 EFI turns over but will not fire it getting fuel not sure where I should start.

Answer:

First you need to determine if it has spark or not ( you you only said it has fuel. Next you need to make sure it has at least 30 psi of fuel pressure of the injectors will not fire. These engine do not have a prone issue. So I would, if you determine it is only missing spark, look at the distributor cap and rotor closely.

I have compiled the information that you need here: NO START DIAGNOSTICS 

Question:

92 ford probe. parked it no problem and has given no hint of a problem. got back in and it won’t start. it’s not bad/low battery, battery connections, fuse (either under the dash or in the main fuse box under the hood), or nutrail safety switch. and doesn’t appear to be the starter. the start relay is clicking when you turn the key(under the dash on fire wall)so i also presume it to be functioning properly. everything else works but it wont turn over. suggestions?

ANSWER:

In most No start cases that you are describing, 99% of the time it is from a bad Battery.

If you have a new or good battery from a different vehicle and it still does nothing, then it may be the starter itself.

You can prove this by checking for battery power at the “s” terminal (small wire) on the starter while someone holds the key in the start position. If you see battery voltage, then you need to replace the starter.

Reference link: No Start Diagnostics 

QUESTION:

I have a 1995 Izusu Trooper and it wouldn’t start. had it towed and the mechanic says the ‘security system’ is locked up. I do not have the remote. Now what? help, help! we had it towed to a local mechanic who says that the security system will not allow it to start. I do not have the remote. I want to know if we can override the system and how.

ANSWER:

What needs to be done:

1. Disconnect the battery
2. Insert ignition key and turn it to the “ON” position
3. With Key still in the “ON” position, reconnect the battery
4. Now turn the key forward tot he “START” position and start the car

What this does is to allow the engines computer to reset itself.

Question:

My 1994 Acura Integra does not crank when I turn the key; however it does start using compression starting. When I turn the key I get a noise that seems to come from the left hand side of the dash. I suspect the starter relay or solenoid. The ABS light stayed on after compression starting. When attempting to key start the radio went part way through it”s start up and then kept failing to complete, just cycled through.

Answer:

On the starter there is a small and large wire. You need a test light. Ground one end of the light and place the other on the small wire (only the small wire). Have someone try to start the vehicle. If the light lights up the starter is bad. If not you have to start at the neutral safety switch, then the relay.

I have a 1994 Chevy s-10 and my battery light came on. Does this mean I need a new battery and how do I know if my alternator is bad?

Answer:

The battery is most likely fine. The battery light comes on to let you know it is no longer being charged. This is generally an indication of a failing alternator.

Testing : Using a multi-meter set to DC volts, connect the positive and negative leads to the same on the battery with the car’s engine running. You should see from 13.2 – 14.7 volts. If you see less than this and confirm it is the same when the engine is running or not, then you know the alternator is not charging.

Complete Alternator Troubleshooting

Question:

I have a 1991 Chevy Lumina with a 3.1 liter i replaced the fuel pump and now the car starts and runs for about 5 minutes then kills and won’t start again for about 20 minutes how can I remedy this problem? 

Answer:

Won’t Start Diagnostic Chart

Once it has run and died and will not restart.. See if you have lost spark: if you have, you most likely need to replace the ignition module.

If you have spark, see if you can spray some starting fluid in the engine and if it runs then you have a fuel related problem.. either a relay or a bad new fuel pump(it happens)