Car Starting Problems

It sounds like your vehicle may have a fuel delivery or air intake issue. If it starts only when you hold the throttle down but won't idle, it could indicate a clogged fuel filter, a failing fuel pump, or an issue with the idle air control valve. Additionally, there could be a problem with the throttle body or an intake leak affecting the air-fuel mixture. A thorough diagnostic check is recommended to pinpoint the exact cause.

If the anti-theft light stays on after the alarm is set, it typically indicates that the car's security system has been triggered or is malfunctioning. This can prevent the vehicle from starting as a safety measure to deter theft. Common causes include a faulty key fob, a problem with the ignition system, or an issue with the vehicle's anti-theft module. It's advisable to consult the owner's manual or a professional mechanic to diagnose and resolve the issue.

If your battery charger displays "low voltage protection," it typically means that the voltage of the battery you're trying to charge is too low for the charger to initiate the charging process safely. This can occur if the battery is deeply discharged or faulty. In this situation, you may need to use a different charger, jump-start the battery, or test it for issues before attempting to charge it again.

It sounds like your Tahoe's anti-theft system may have been triggered during the steering column replacement. When the security light is on and the engine won't start, it usually indicates that the vehicle is in "lockout" mode. Try using your key fob to lock and unlock the doors, or leave the key in the "on" position for about 10-15 minutes to reset the system. If that doesn't work, you may need to check the connections or wiring related to the ignition and anti-theft system.

Yes, improper adjustment of intake and exhaust valves can cause a clicking noise that may resemble a weak battery or starter issue. When the valves are not correctly aligned, they can create excessive clearance or contact, leading to a clicking or tapping sound during engine operation. This noise can be misinterpreted as a starting issue, but it's essential to diagnose the valve adjustment separately to avoid further engine damage.

Yes, a bad Engine Electronic Distribution (EED) relay can prevent your car from starting. The EED relay is responsible for controlling the power supply to various engine components, and if it malfunctions, it may not provide the necessary power for the ignition system or fuel pump. As a result, the engine may fail to start or could experience intermittent starting issues. It's important to diagnose and replace a faulty relay to ensure proper engine operation.

The firing order for the 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass with a 260 V8 engine is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2. This sequence is important for the proper operation of the engine, ensuring that the cylinders fire in the correct order for optimal performance. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for specific details and diagrams related to the ignition system.

Probably dirty battery cables.

I have a 1994 SC2 that had the same problem, I checked the battery conditon, battery cable condition and had the starter tested and all were fine. It turns out that is was the ingnition wiring in the steering column. One of the wires was not making good connection, I found this out while trying to take the ingnition out to replace it. You will need a 5.5mm nut driver to take apart the steering column covers, and make sure you get the one behind the tilt lever.

It could be that but it can also be your starter. I also have a 93 Saturn sl2 that did the same thing to me. I replaced the starter with the the updated one that they have out and car started up afterwards. also.

I have the same exact problem.

Automotive batteries are simply electrical storage devices, meaning that they store electrical energy so you don't have to crank the engine by hand to get it started.

Every time the engine starts, the charging system recharges the battery. Batteries can go through MANY charge/discharge cycles, but automotive batteries do not do well with DEEP DISCHARGE.

If the battery isn't too old it should take a charge quite well, you could even jump-start the engine (make sure you ALWAYS connect Red to positive) then drive the vehicle around for a while and let the alternator recharge the battery for you.

You PROBABLY haven't done any permanent damage unless the battery was already getting old and tired.

If I understand your question properly I think you're referring to the engine timing. (when the spark plugs fire in relation to the rotation of the engine) When the temperature sensors on the car sense the engine is cold it will advance the timing of the engine to keep it from stalling out.

A good place to start would be to pull the starter out and have it tested. Here most auto parts stores will test a starter for free.

if it is back firing out of the carb, and wont completley turn over then you may have a head gaskett problem shaunna 586 738 1782

the whole question is confusing in many ways. of course it won't start without fuel pressure or spark!!! and why couldn't it crank without them??? and how do you know it doesn't have either F.P. or spark if you don't even know why it won't start or why it cranks without fp or spark. no offense, maybe you're having a bad day but i guess I'm questioning your basic knowledge of cars. so it won't start i guess, you know it needs fuel and spark. it also needs compression. a good battery, an engine full of oil and plenty of air to the intake also help. start with that

your drive gear sensor is goin bad i think...turn key to on..put foot on brake and put car in gear then push firmly back into park..take foot off brake turn key back to off then turn to on aND TRY TO STRT....OR IT COULD BE THE distributer ...cap and when the sparkplug lands on that one broken distributer mtal piece..it wont fire...needs replaced..one or the other

Does it crank over? Check the battery connections, check for any other loose connectors,

fuel in your oil can be several things. Bad rings, a blown head gasket, these are the most common problems. Checking cylinder compression is the best way to find out.

Blowing black smoke typically means that the vehicle is either getting too much fuel or not enough air. Check the air cleaner and make sure it's clean, and if that's not it, check the injectors

vacuum leak.

I had a similar problem turns out the Alternator was bad.

bad crank shaft position sensor

Try checking the trunk, same side where you put the gas in just above the filler cap. You may have to pull to carpeting/matting so you can get to it. However, most cars attach the trunk carpet with velcro in this area (specifically for this reason).

GM vehicles do not use inertia switches.

Sounds like bad battery connections, clean and tighten them and try again. Have the battery checked if no luck ++ Loose connections ++ This just happened to my laguna. The two connections giving power to the starter motor were loose. Couple of quick turns and it fired up first time. Took an hour to get to it as it's buried deep in the engine.

Replace just the steering lock unit. The tumblers are old, and they need to be replaces. After replacing the lock, go to a locksmith, and have him re-key the doors to match your new ignition lock.

If this happens you need to turn off the alarm by the remote or by using the key in the door and turning it twice to unlock all doors.