The lifehack thread got me thinking, I might be able to save some of you money and grief when it comes to your vehicles. Or just answer technical questions you might have. If you're car is having a problem and you want advice or a second opinion, post in here. If you need wiring diagrams, flowcharts, specifications, pattern failures, or any other kind of technical references let me know. I have access to an incredible amount of resources. Questions about tools or procedures, post them up.
2002 saturn 1.9L SOHC I think (roommates car) starts sometimes other times he'll have to push start it. I don't believe its the starter since it doesn't make any clicking noises and i just checked the clutch safety switch and that didn't solve it either. So got any suggestions for me?
Do you have a digital volt meter or test light? It's probably the starter but I can run you through checking the ignition system. It has to be when it's acting up though.
My father thought the same thing he just wanted me to get on here to get a second opinion. He has both and knows what to do i'm pretty sure to check it. Thanks for the help, i really appreciate itl
check the wires at the starter ..and at the battery thats always the first step make sure theyre clean and tight
No problem. Easiest way rather than worrying about the switch on the clutch or ignition switch is start at the end of the circuit. If you have constant 12v at the big wire on the starter, and 12v on the little wire when you try to start it, you know the starter is getting what it needs. So either the solenoid is bad or the motor itself is locking up. But to try to keep it simple I'll stop there. Probably bad solenoid since you don't hear it clicking. And if you do replace the starter get a relay too. They're cheap and a starter going out puts a heavy load on them. But like BBAD mentioned definitely check all the connections first, I got ahead of myself.
alright battery terminals aren't lose according to my roommate. I just wish the starter was easier to get too in this car. Guess I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and take it out to bench test it right?
I had a battery once that was intermittent. The terminals were tight and everything else in the car was good. The car wouldn't crank sometimes. It happened randomly. After I had the battery replaced, it never happened again. There was some very cold weather before the problem started that may have froze the battery and damaged it.
You can, but I wouldn't since it is not acting up all the time. Take it by autozone, they should have a free starting and charging system test. It can look at the cranking voltage and how many amps it's drawing. That's not the end all to this situation but it's a free check.
I got a 1970 VW bus and it started stalling in 1st gear ,when i come to a stop an when making a turn.Is this a generator problem?The battery is also not staying charged up.
so this may be a stupid question -I know nothing about cars - but the other day I put an Isuzu Rodeo in park, went to get something out of the backseat, and it started rolling forward. I had to jump between the seat and pull the E brake. It was parked on an incline but it wasn't that steep. I was borrowing the car from someone so it isn't really my problem but I was just curious. I've always owned manuals but I was under the impression that an automatic wouldn't go anywhere in park even with the e brake down.
