HELP!!! Dead car

[nicoleos]

My car wont start. I turn the key and nothing happens. The lights work, but it makes no sound at all when i crank it. What could it be? I need this car.

[boschmann]

Automatic or manual transmission? Have you tried using a jumper wire or screwdriver to put 12V+ to the small red/black starter solenoid wire?

[Igovert500]

Dead battery? Just because your lights work, doesn't mean it isn't dead. It might have enough charge to operate the lights and accessories, but not enough cold cranking amps to get it going...try jumping it, take it to Autozone and have them charge the battery and check your starter and alternator.

[avknav]

I have the same starting problem, it actually cranked over about three times and then just stopped. I've got lights, battery has 12.47 volts and drops when I turn the ignition (I can hear the fuel pump). I tried a jumper to the red/black solenoid wire but no cranking.

The starter is fairly well tucked away and I only see one mounting bolt. Is there another one on top and do you have to remove a bracket. Any tips on starter removal would be appreciated (automatic)

[boschmann]

Three bolts hold it on & it's done from under the car. I find it easier to remove the right drive axle, but it can be done without. There is an exhaust heat shield & small metal flywheel shield that has to come off first.

[nicoleos]

It is a manual. Where is the small red/black starter solenoid wire? And just put a screwdriver to it?

I know its not the battery. I jumped it three diff. occasions, and on the third, it wouldnt even take a jump. I took it to Autozone and they charged it but it only lasted 2 starts. Now its dead again. I believe it is the alternator, but cant test without the car running. Autozone said it could be the alt, starter, or voltage reg. Any and all help would be appreciated.

i tested the alternator and and it said it was good when i first put the battery back in, then i drove it home and it said the alt. was not so good. Is it the alternator or could it be the voltage regulator since it is attached to it?

[boschmann]

Nicoleos, the small red/black wire is right next to the main positive battery cable connection to the starter. It simply unplugs. You would have to jump power from the main battery connector to the small connector on the starter to engage it. Make sure the car is in neutral.

[nicoleos]

Boschmann, what will that tell me???

[nicoleos]

I bought a new voltage regulator. The brushes were definitely bad. They were like 5 mm when they should be 1/2 inch. So we will see if that will fix the problem.

[boschmann]

If the starter doesn't engage when you run power to the small red/black wire it is bad. If it does then you know the problem is in the wiring & we can go from there.

[nicoleos]

It ended up being the voltage regulator. i bought it for $60 and did it myself. Thanks for help.

[boschmann]

Dead batteries don't turn starters very well.

[nicoleos]

HELP. The voltage regulator did not solve the problem. I had kragen charge my battery again and now the car wont even start. i need as much help as possible.

[boschmann]

I take it that means the engine wont spin because the starter is not turning. Check the main battery connections (to the body & starter also) then try the starter test I mentioned.