car gurus--need help

[rudeguy]

I have POS 94 cavalier....it wont start the first time I turn the key...actually it wont start until I turn the key 10-15 times....there is no click...it doesnt even try to turn over....I just replaced the started a couple months ago so I know its not that...any ideas?

 

[Syringer]

Fuel injector problem? I don't know. Ignore.

nef++

 

[geno]

Starter or starter solenoid problem? Check your ECU for any fault codes, see if you're getting anything back...

 

[profet]

i dont know if this will help, but i had a 90 ranger w/ the same problem. and if i would turn the steering wheel, it would work, i dont know why, but it did 🙂

 

[Sluggo]

Sounds like maybe the contacts on the key mechanism are on the fritz, shouldnt be too expensive to yank that one out and replace it.

 

[Ausm]

Battery is dead possibly because the alternator is fried


Ausm

 

[crumpet19]

sounds like a bad the rotator splint.
you should have that checked out.

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: Sluggo
Sounds like maybe the contacts on the key mechanism are on the fritz, shouldnt be too expensive to yank that one out and replace it.

It could very well be that too - when you put the key in, does your car "act" like it's going to start (gauges, radio come on, etc)?

 

[Ornery]

rotator splint. WTF 😀

there is no click...

There's the clue. Sluggo may have it with the ignition switch, but it could also be the transmission's "in park" switch.

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: ausm
Battery is dead possibly because the alternator is fried


Ausm

Check both of those outm, they're the easiest.

There's the clue. Sluggo may have it with the ignition switch, but it could also be the transmission's "in park" switch.

That's a 'neutral switch', but that shouldn't be the problem. Quick way to test that (and the only reason to test that, IMO, is because it's very quick and easy) is to start it in neutral.

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: crumpet19
sounds like a bad the rotator splint.
you should have that checked out.

LOL, I think it's only short diesel buses that have those 😉

 

[cavemanmoron]

spray wd-40 in the lock hole, and then put the key in and turn,
try this like 3 times,
don't spray too long like 1/2 sec spray, you want to lube it
not Drown it,😉

 

[FrustratedUser]

Sound like a bad solenoid in the starter. You might wan't to check the battery also.

 

[rudeguy]

Originally posted by: godmare

Originally posted by: ausm
Battery is dead possibly because the alternator is fried


Ausm

Check both of those outm, they're the easiest.

There's the clue. Sluggo may have it with the ignition switch, but it could also be the transmission's "in park" switch.

That's a 'neutral switch', but that shouldn't be the problem. Quick way to test that (and the only reason to test that, IMO, is because it's very quick and easy) is to start it in neutral.

wont start in neutral either...that was the first thing I tried...and yes all the lights come on so I know its not the battery..and once it does start up it cranks and turns over just fine...i was thinking maybe it was a relay that just froze up seeing how it hasnt been above freezing here in almost a month

 

[JC]

My thoughts:

Ignition switch adjustment. The key cylinder pushes a rod down to the switch, if it isn't pushing far enough, no crank.
Bad ignition switch. Sometimes makes contact, sometimes not. (ala Sluggo)
Another bad starter/solenoid. It's happened before. (ala Geno)


good luck.

JC

 

[cavemanmoron]

my truck is doing the same thing,when its cold out like this moroning;it was 4f yest was -2f
when warm out almost no problem,
i need to find a "wand" for my wd-40 and redo the trick i mentioned in the earlier reply i gave you,it helped mine., but i need to use the lil extension nozzle/"wand" to get the spray inside the switch more.

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: rudeguy5757
wont start in neutral either...that was the first thing I tried...and yes all the lights come on so I know its not the battery..and once it does start up it cranks and turns over just fine...i was thinking maybe it was a relay that just froze up seeing how it hasnt been above freezing here in almost a month

Not to say it is the battery or alternator, but sometimes there is enough juice in the battery for lights and even accessories, but not enough to kick the starter. It dies sound more like an ignition issue, but that battery and alternator are easy to check, so I would do those first, myself.