Starting Problems

I am having a problem with my 87 Supra. I hadn't started my car for some time, but when I tried it, the motor turned over and started really nicely. It ran very smooth for several minutes. Then I shut of the engine. A little while later, I tried it again. The motor started, but when I tried to turn it off, the engine kept running. I had to disconnect the battery cable to stop the motor. I have heard that this is something that you should never do (disconnect the cable while the engine is running). Is this true, and if it is, what does it cause. Have I done something that is going to cause my car not to start? Because, since I did this, the engine will not start. In fact, I cant seem to get it to even turn over.

What checks have you done other than turning the key? Is the battery charged? Did you blow any fuses? Do any of the relays click when you turn the key? Have you checked over the wires?

What checks have you done other than turning the key? Is the battery charged? Did you blow any fuses? Do any of the relays click when you turn the key? Have you checked over the wires?

I have checked the battery and the fuses. The battery is fully charged and no bad fuses. The wiring is intact and the relays click. I cant think of anything else to check. Any ideas will be appreciated.

Try running a jumper to the starter and see if the starter bumps. There is a small black wire on top of the starter. That is the pin you want to jumper. Run a wire up to the batter then just touch the + post. You don't want to hook it up, just touch the battery post to bump the starter to see if it works.

There is a good chance that you have a problem in the ignition wires somewhere. The car wouldn't shut off and it won't start. That is a pretty good indicator that a wire or relay went bad.

it sounds like you have two problems, the first engine shut down and then will not shut off. first the shut down sitting for a while maybe air in the fuel lines most likely ok now,as for the cant shut off its more than likely your starter motor staying engaged. is there a large spark when attaching the battery cable? if so hit the starter with a hammer this should release it but you will need a starter.

Try running a jumper to the starter and see if the starter bumps. There is a small black wire on top of the starter. That is the pin you want to jumper. Run a wire up to the batter then just touch the + post. You don't want to hook it up, just touch the battery post to bump the starter to see if it works.

There is a good chance that you have a problem in the ignition wires somewhere. The car wouldn't shut off and it won't start. That is a pretty good indicator that a wire or relay went bad.

I did jump the starter to the battery and the engine does start. But, by any chance, would anyone happen to know the wiring position for the cam position sensor? It appears that mine are not connected! I was wondering if maybe that is part of the problem as well. Thanks guys for all the tips so far---keep them coming, I need all of the help I can get!

If the cam sensor wasn't connected then your car wouldn't have run in the first place. I would start checking the ignition circuit and relays. Start with the EFI relay. A problem there would have prevented the car from shutting off and from starting back up.