94 lumina starting problem

rcksmpsn · #1 12-05-2009, 10:29 AM

Starting problem on a 1994 lumina euro 3.1, 150 k. Was running just fine when i got home and parked it. The next morning it would not start, battery is fine, have lights, radio, etc. The amp gauge jumps to the far right when i try to start it, but i get no start, no click. I did get it to start 1 time, but after shutting it down, nothing since. One strange thing i do notice is that i do not need to apply the brake to get it out of park and the steering wheel does not lock in park. Thank you, your help would be greatly appreciated, rick

maxwedge · #2 12-05-2009, 11:39 AM

Welcome to AF, not start means no crank correct? if so check the battery and all the cable connections, if ok check for 12v at the starter solenoid when attempting to start, 2 man job.

rcksmpsn · #3 12-05-2009, 12:16 PM

The battery is new and all electrical components work. I don't even get a click when i try to start the car. I will check for 12v at the solenoid. Thank you!

Bearwulf · #4 12-07-2009, 03:19 AM

As MAXWEDGE said,"check all cable connections".

rcksmpsn · #5 12-07-2009, 03:19 PM

Thanks, I have found no bad connections, still have to check for 12v at the solenoid as I need another set of hands. One strange thing I do notice is that I do not need to apply the brake to get it out of park and the steering wheel does not lock in park. This baffles me as all other electrical works, lights, horn, door locks, radio, etc., but the steering wheel doesn't lock and it always did before.?????

rcksmpsn · #6 12-07-2009, 03:24 PM

Thanks, I have found no bad connections, still have to check for 12v at the solenoid as I need another set of hands. One strange thing I do notice is that I do not need to apply the brake to get it out of park and the steering wheel does not lock in park. This baffles me as all other electrical works, lights, horn, door locks, radio, etc., but the steering wheel doesn't lock and it always did before.?????

P.S. A new battery was installed approx 12 hours before this problem occurred.

svotta · #7 12-07-2009, 07:32 PM

I had this problem in my 1990 a while ago. Try putting it into neutral to start it. or try to move the shifter a little bit but keep it inmy column fhifter got out of wack when i had a new ignition in and that happened. If it doesnt start in neutral then I would have it checked by a mechanic

Bearwulf · #8 12-08-2009, 02:22 AM

This does sound like key switch & linkage (in column) problem.

rcksmpsn · #9 12-08-2009, 08:04 AM

Thank you svotta and bearwulf. I will check these out.

rcksmpsn · #10 12-27-2009, 11:06 AM

Thanks to all for the help. I had 12v getting to the post on the solenoid but not into it. Jiggled the wire and it would start but then turn it off and it wouldn't. I took the wire off, no breaks, and wire brushed everything. It starts every time now.
If it happens again, i suspect it is a bad post at the solenoid.

Rick

Bearwulf · #11 12-30-2009, 12:00 AM

Does the inside problem still exist?

rcksmpsn · #12 12-30-2009, 08:04 AM

No, I don"t know what was the problem there, but after moving the car a little, it was fine. It may just have been in a bind. THANKS AGAIN!!

Rick

rcksmpsn · #13 12-30-2009, 08:28 PM

It happened again. I was able to get it started by jiggling the hot post on the solenoid. Do I need to remove the starter to replace the solenoid? If so, I might as well replace the complete unit. It is cold here now (unheated garage) so the easiest quickest way would be the best.

Thanks, Rick

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