Car Starting Problems

Repeated attempts to start a car will not hurt a car as long as the engine has the oil it's supposed to have. However, they aren't good for the battery.

Check for trouble codes. Possible cam or crank sensor.

Chances are the battery cable ends needs tightened or replaced. Or you need a new battery, or you may need a new starter, or you may need a new alternator. I started with the most simple things first.

Your engine may be running lean, or have a vacum leak

The "Service Engine" light is the computer's way of telling you that it has something to tell you. Connect a scanner and see what it says.

Could be a battery problem, discharged, dead or dirty/loose battery connections.

I also have a similar problem. I cut the wrong wire while installing speakers with the truck battery running. Sparks shot out and now my windows wont roll up and my cab light comes on when I push the brakes. I have checked the fuses and the relay. ??

no.... check the fuel injectors, and the distributor set (or coil packs)

fuel pump or crank sensor

There are quite a number of diodes and transistors in the critical circuits of your vehicle. Any one of them can be destroyed by applying high current reverse polarity.

You'll need to go through every individual circuit and check for damage. Start with fusable links and other fuses, then find out what it takes to engage the starter.

Once you've got that far, start checking the ignition circuits, make sure you have good spark to the plugs, and finally, check the injection system. Most automotive computers have built in protection against reverse polarity, however...

Good luck.

It's a simple mistake but it can be quite expensive.

Modern starters include:

* the starter motor... a motor * the solenoid, which engages the electrical current to the starter AND engages the gear to the flywheel. * the bendix, which is a gear that engages the starter to the flywheel.

Simple - you can't it is an anti theft device.

because it may have a leak so yeah a small leak

check the fuel pump driver moduel located behind the spare tire

There may be corrosion on the brushes in the starter and banging it would shift this temporarily Also it could be that the gear has jammed on the flywheel banging it can release this.

assuming you have power windows/locks, not sure about manual?

i had the same problem with my car, just purchased used... a friend suggested take the key into the driver side door (make sure the door is closed) and turn to lock then unlock repeat three (3) times this was for a different type of car, so i thought can't hurt to try... it worked for me and allowed me to finally start my car and has worked since i have had to disconnect/reconnect the batter when i was working on the window motor. you will know if it works the windows will sync and can go up/down by the key

igination on car is turned off but car still runs

You have to take it to the dealer ship because the key needs to be programed to the vehicle. key has a chip embedded in it. when you take it to the dealership make sure to bring all the keys for the truck that you have to be programed so that it can be done right the first time.

It sounds to me like your fuel pump needs to be replaced. Another cause might be a clogged fuel filter or pressure regulator. If it was my truck I would start by replacing the fuel filter (also adding Iso-heat if in cold weather) because it is the cheapest possibility. If that still doesn't fix it pull out the fuel pump and take it to a part store or mechanic to test it. Replace if necessary. Hope that helps, Matt

If I were testing it, I'd use a jumper wire from the direct battery lead to the ignition switch starter contact that's on the starter. If the solenoid engages and turns the starter I'd know the solenoid is good. If not, I'd verify that the battery and cable is good before pulling the starter. Not knowing anyone else's level of comfort/competence, I wouldn't recommend that procedure if you don't know your way around the described components.

Internal short in the lead plates, time for a new battery.

The problem is not the starter. The battery is either not holding or not receiving enough charge. Problem could be (1) loose alternator beltl (2) loose/corroded battery cable(s); (3) dead cell(s) in the battery; (4) bad alternator.

If it's a Renault they're prone to bad earths. I've just had the same problem, trying to start my kangoo 1.5 dci and just hearing a clicking sound. I ran another earth cable from the existing one bolted to the wing near the battery terminals to the gearbox bell housing. And hey presto she's never started better!! I must add I fitted another starter motor first, but obviously that never solved it. That's 4 hours of my life I aint getting back!

Yes. You can damage your starter bydouble starting the vehicle. It will not damage it if done only a few times and not for long periods, if you did double start once or twice, don't worry. Most newer vehicles have a bypass that will not let you double start your car.

6 to 8 degrees before TDC.