Car Starting Problems

Second gear start was a feature on a few GM car models in the mid 90's. When engaged, the car will start off in second gear instead of first. This is why the car is slower while turned on. There is much less torque output starting out in second gear, providing improved traction while driving in icy and snowy conditions.

There is a button or switch somewhere that turns it on and off.

No. It should only spark with the engine turning over.

This is most likely the park / neutral switch on the floor shifter. Next time it happens, bump the shifter toward the park position or move it to the neutral position. If it starts right after that, it is that switch. There was a recall on the 1993 thru 1998 Jeep GC's for that exact thing. I had it happen on my wife's 95 Jeep GC and it was very frustrating until I happened to bump the shifter on one of the 20 times climbing in and out of it. GoodLuck! StudeWally

It means the battery has been drained of all it's power. Simply recharge the battery with a battery charger and it will be fine. You do not have to replace the battery, although draining the battery fully does harm the battery. Charge the battery fully and it will function as it should.

The fuse box is under the instrument panel on the drivers side and the power

distribution box ( which is " live " ) is in the engine compartment on the drivers

side

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On a 2003 Lincoln Navigator :

The passenger compartment fuse panel and the Power Distribution Box are

combined . They are located in the front passenger footwell , behind the

swing out kick panel

* the kick panel is the interior trim panel , in front of the front door , beside the passengers right foot

Some vehicles require "shims" to be installed when a starter is replaced so the Bendix drive will engage the pressure plate teeth. If the starter is too far away from the teeth on the pressure plate, the vehicle will fail to turn over.

When you hold the gas pedal to the floor you are clearing a flooding condition. There is several possibilities as to the cause. The fuel pressure regulator or the throttle position sensor is defective. You need to take it to a REPAIR shop and have them diagnosis the problem. A parts house will read the codes and sell you parts that may not fix your problem.

A small electric motor used to turn an internal combustion over to get the larger engine running.

If you are getting spark, check the electric fuel pump pressure. Had a similar problem, changed the fuel pump, cured it. ==New Answer Headline== Also, if you turn the ignition switch on and the 'Check Engine' display light does not illuminate but all the rest of them do, then it could be a blown fuel pump fuse. It's a 20 amp fuse mounted by the right front headlight. Don't do what I did and pay 150$ for an engine diagnostic check all for a .50 cent fuse !

Test for a broken wire between the fuel pump and power distribution box. Check for bad connectors also.

I had the same problem with my car a couple of months ago. I would try calling your local Volkswagen dealership...chances are, it is a warranty issue and it will be free of charge!

Bad battery, or starter problem.

The hookup is usually under the dashbord close to the steering column. If it is not in plain view, it will be under a removable panel approximately 4 or 5 inches by 6 or 8 inches,

broken crankshaft or connecting rod

Their isn't one. It used a TP sensor which is controlled by you and the PCM adj throttle accordingly.

Check the starter on your truck, I had a similar problem when a power wire melted on the starter and short circuited the radio, and the dashboard lights, plus the fact that the truck would turn over but not start... pull all wires that may have melted on it away from the starter, if it starts up, that was the problem.

Another possibility, the fuel pump is bad, very common for GM.

Top of the transmission, under the air intake.

The only method of disarming the security system is thru the door locks, if it does not disarm; this will entail a fault in the security system. First, the vehicle battery will have to be tested, a low, or shorted battery can trigger the security as well. If the battery is good, the sytem will need electrical diagnosis, which I recommend be done at the dealer, since they are more familiar with this vehicle's security system, than most independent facilities are.

if it is cranking but wont start check for spark, fuel, air and compression.

Your battery is dead. Turn your lights off next time.

its on the right fender in front of the washer fluid.

Several things could be going on, so I will try to help, though more info is actually needed. The first thing that I can think of is if the battery is too weak the symptom may be that the engine does not actually spin over while trying to start the vehicle, but you will hear a rapid clicking noise coming from the starter relay when the key is turned to the start position. If this is not it, then I need to know more, like, does the engine actually spin over? is the clicking occurring with the key turned on or off? Stuff like that.

It does not start because kill switch relay does not allow it. You need to test the relay and make sure that it works properly. Also you might have to check the security unit. Make sure that you have turn off security system before you start the car (sometimes remotes do not work properly).

Choke defective/broken. Incorrect Oil Viscosity: too thick drags Starter. Use Synthetic Oil if not already using.

Tired Starter (actually Tired Solenoid).

Worn/Corroded Battery Leads to Starter and Ground.

Corrosion at Battery Terminals, specifically Positive.

Bad/Loose/Corroded Engine to Chassis Ground.

Worn Spark Plugs.

Worn Spark "Wires".

Possible defect in Crank Position Sensor or other Sensor(s).

Fault in Ignition System incorporates all above except Oil.

In addition you may have a partially clogged fuel filter or a weak fuel pump that is failing.

For a 1996 chevy camero 3800 moter