YACT: HELP ME! CAR WON'T START!

[Omegachi]

i am not sure what the problem is, but when i try starting the ignition the engine wouldn't start. When i turn the key, a could hear a continuous clanking noise. I don't think its the battery because the lights and the radio would still turn on... i called up my friends they said it could be the starter, but i am not sure where that is in my car since i am not really a car person (kinda sad because i am an electrical engineer). Anyways, my drive a 2001 corolla, if you guys could suggest anything to help me please do so... if theres no quick fix, then i need to think of a way to get my car to a shop...

 

[Zanix]

"Clanking" noise? :shocked: doesn't sound good.

Is it like the regular sound of the engine turning over?

 

[iamwiz82]

Sounds like the battery from the limited explanation. how exactly did the continuous claking sound? Pitch, fequency?

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

If it were the starter, you'd only hear a "clanking" when you turn the key to start the car (the far forward key position, whatever one that is). What you'd be hearing are the teeth from sprockets that would have broken off the sprocket and are then getting kicked around.

Since you say the radio and other things still work, are you hearing the clanking when the key is in the first position (one forward of the off position, one back from ignition)?

 

[Black88GTA]

It's probably your battery or alternator, or both. If a battery goes bad, it can take your alternator with it. If alt goes bad, it won't charge the battery.

And in many cases, lights and radio will still work fine even though the battery is dead. Your car requires LOTS of power to crank the engine, where the lights and radio do not.

Have you tried jump starting it?

 

[Zanix]

I see you're from Hawaii, can I come live with you for a while? I can cook.

 

[Zanix]

Originally posted by: Nik
If it were the starter, you'd only hear a "clanking" when you turn the key to start the car (the far forward key position, whatever one that is). What you'd be hearing are the teeth from sprockets that would have broken off the sprocket and are then getting kicked around.

Since you say the radio and other things still work, are you hearing the clanking when the key is in the first position (one forward of the off position, one back from ignition)?

LMAO just saw your sig! :heart:

 

[iamwiz82]

A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

 

[Ornery]

Jump it and see if that works. If it does, throw a battery in there. If not, it probably needs a relay/solenoid, which might be part of the starter. Your local mechanic will be more than happy to help with that!

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: Nik
If it were the starter, you'd only hear a "clanking" when you turn the key to start the car (the far forward key position, whatever one that is). What you'd be hearing are the teeth from sprockets that would have broken off the sprocket and are then getting kicked around.

Since you say the radio and other things still work, are you hearing the clanking when the key is in the first position (one forward of the off position, one back from ignition)?

yes, when the key is in the forward key position.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

Try tapping the starter with a hammer.

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

clanking or clicking? i guess its more like a clanking.. and kinda sounds like a chain being dragged quickly across metal...

 

[sniperruff]

i dunno. can spark plug be the problem?

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
i dunno. can spark plug be the problem?

hmm... theres more than 1 spark in there right? should it at least start the car with the other ones if only one is bad?

 

[yumychinesefood]

oil change?

 

[iamwiz82]

To those of you suggesting a spark plug or oil change, I'm sure there is a thread about Star Wars somewhere, go post on it

 

[xXped0thugXx]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

Try tapping the starter with a hammer.

if your lights dont dim, then its not the altenator, and its not your battery. Sounds like the starter to me as well. I recommend tapping it with a hammer or wrench, with a little force but not like youre trying to break it.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

Try tapping the starter with a hammer.

As in tap, give it a good smack near the edge closest to the place it attaches.

if you think about 6" away and bring it down, not a behind the back windup.

I would take it to a pro based on what I read from you...however I would based on me...jack it up and have someone try to start it while I listen at the starter if I couldn't figure anything else out.

 

[Eli]

I agree, sounds like a starter problem.

 

[wischeez]

Starter is shot,or possibly missing teeth on the flywheel.

 

[Omegachi]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

Try tapping the starter with a hammer.

As in tap, give it a good smack near the edge closest to the place it attaches.

if you think about 6" away and bring it down, not a behind the back windup.

I would take it to a pro based on what I read from you...however I would based on me...jack it up and have someone try to start it while I listen at the starter if I couldn't figure anything else out.

so where would the starter be located in my corolla?

 

[Black88GTA]

I don't know the specifics of your car....but look near the back of the engine. It'll be visible from underneath.

Should look similar to this. When you turn the key to start, that little gear you see pops out and spins the flywheel, which starts your engine. When the key is released, it retracts. As others have said, if it's not battery / alternator related, it could be that your flywheel has broken teeth, gear not fully engaging, etc.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Omegachi

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

Try tapping the starter with a hammer.

As in tap, give it a good smack near the edge closest to the place it attaches.

if you think about 6" away and bring it down, not a behind the back windup.

I would take it to a pro based on what I read from you...however I would based on me...jack it up and have someone try to start it while I listen at the starter if I couldn't figure anything else out.

so where would the starter be located in my corolla?

oh....at the mechanic. Step away from the tools on this one.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Omegachi

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Black88GTA

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
A bad starter can also whir if the bendix spring wears out. A bad battery can make a clicking sound when the key is turned. Is it a clanking or clicking?

This is true...in fact, my Trans Am is doing that now (needs a starter). That's more of a zzzzzzzzzzzzziing type noise - almost like dragging a chain quickly across metal..

Try tapping the starter with a hammer.

As in tap, give it a good smack near the edge closest to the place it attaches.

if you think about 6" away and bring it down, not a behind the back windup.

I would take it to a pro based on what I read from you...however I would based on me...jack it up and have someone try to start it while I listen at the starter if I couldn't figure anything else out.

so where would the starter be located in my corolla?

oh....at the mechanic. Step away from the tools on this one.

That's probably a good idea