Stupid %$^## car *Updated...Problem fixed*

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thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
9,032
125
106
Did you try starting it in neutral? If not try it.
The neutral safty switch could be off by a little bit and just jiggling the shifter might get it to start.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Did you try starting it in neutral? If not try it.
The neutral safty switch could be off by a little bit and just jiggling the shifter might get it to start.
This was my thought too. My old Honda is picky about that too. Sometimes the switch just doesn't detect that it's in Park and I have to start the car in Neutral.

ZV
 

MaxDSP

Lifer
May 15, 2001
10,056
0
71
Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Did you try starting it in neutral? If not try it.
The neutral safty switch could be off by a little bit and just jiggling the shifter might get it to start.

no go on the shifter. I had to leave for work after we tested the battery and tapping the starter so I dont know what else my dad tried. I just know that the car isnt fixed yet
 

MaxDSP

Lifer
May 15, 2001
10,056
0
71
dang, forgot to update the thread, but we found and fixed the problem (well, "we" as in the mechanic)

The mechanic changed the starter and tested the other parts, but everything was fine. Then they decided to test the battery cable itself and they saw that it was damaged inside. I dont know exactly where it was damaged, but it wasnt near the terminal parts, because my dad and I had checked that before and it had seemed ok. I wasnt there when they pulled out the cable and replaced it, my dad was.


this sucks. Now the car works again for a couple months and then a new problem will pop up. The cycle never ends, and my occasionally-dimwitted father keeps pouring money into it.
 

AlienCraft

Lifer
Nov 23, 2002
10,539
0
0
I've heard it said that.... if it has "Tits (testicles?), tires or a terminal, it'll give you trouble".... :D
Your mileage may vary
rolleye.gif
< gratuitous car joke
Here's where a little cost spreadsheet will allow you to justify a new car purchase. Geeks rule.....
I did it for myself as I was hanging on to the Black Hole of Cash that was my van... When the fuel and oil expenditure exceeded for one month, the down payment or 3 months of payment, I went shopping. So far, so good. And after examining 2 previous years of Auto expenses, we are still ahead of the game (reduced fuel is #1, maintenance #2). Increased mileage has been a major plus.