Car wont start, please help!

[denglish318ti]

Hi guys

Car is being a pain in the chuff, this is probably the wrong forum section, but I need to get it sorted as soon as I can.

So far:
Battery was dead after leaving it for four weeks, I jump it twice and drive around. Third time I go to jump it off my mates car it does not start. The car makes a click sound, but does not turn at all.

I buy a new battery, it still wont start even with a jump.

I replace the starter motor with a recon unit, it still wont start. Just a click sound, motor does not turn. I connect the battery positive to the positive of the starter motor and it turns over. I connect the battery positive to the positive of the starter solenoid and get someone to turn the key but it still wont start.

Therfore it must be something in the elec system which turns the solenoid on. I turn the key and get a click so the ignition barrel and switch must be ok.

The only other things connected to the starter circuit are:
Alternator (unlikely fault)
EWS system

I think it may be something to do with the EWS. I am getting my spare key posted to me, so will try that on Saturday. When I turn the key, the alarm LED flashes red once, I cant remember it doing this before. Any ideas in the meantime?

Cheers for your help guys
Dylan

[gimp]

Stupid question, but I've been down this road on other projects (including replacing a fuel pump in a parking lot before a race when I didn't need to)... have you checked all the fuses?

[denglish318ti]

I know that very feeling of changing something then it being exactly the same. I changed the starter in the snow at the side of the road, took me 3 hours! I have checked all the fuses in the fuse box, any others I should check?

Cheers for your help
Dylan

[Junk]

Maybe something with the alarm?

[denglish318ti]

Well I worked it out for anyone who is interested It was the recon starter I put it that was not working. New starter in and its working again, yay! Some tips for people with starter problems:

If you get a click from the starter then that is the solenoid moving, therefore you can probably rule out problems with ignition switch, key chip, EWS.

To totally rule out EWS problems connect pin 1 and 3 of the EWS box together (for EWSII systems) (the two thick wires) to bypass the EWS system.

To determine if its starter or solenoid or connections then
1) Run a jump lead from engine to negative battery terminal. This will determine if engine ground strap is ok.
2) Run a jump lead to the copper cable on the starter motor to the positive on the battery, does it turn? If it does (and you only get a click when turning the key) then it is probably your solenoid.
3) Run a jump lead from the positive on the solenoid to the positive on the battery. This will determine if the positive lead to the solenoid is ok.

Be careful though, as the currents involved are massive, so expect a few sparks!
Cheers
Dylan

[gimp]

Thanks for posting the fix. Glad you're back together.