No ignition buzz when key is turned, wont start

[bobraff]

OK, I was driving my 96 geo metro LSI, going up a hill when I noticed I didn't have any acceleration. I turned the fan off and realized the motor had stalled. Now, when I turn the key, there is no ignition buzz, all lights and wipers and everything work. I checked the fuses, but I turn the key and just get a click. also if I turn thge hazard lights on there is a click as if there is a ground fault. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I obviously don't have the funds to put a lot into this since I drive a 96 metor. Thanks and have an awesome, super day.

[SeanMurphy]

I'd say either a bad starter, though that wouldn't explain the flashers not working, or a bad ground from the battery, though that wouldn't explain why the wipers still work.

Check the negative terminal on the battery and the cable that goes from it to the chassis and from the terminal to the block. If it's corroded, clean it, or if it's broken, replace it with a similarly sized piece of wiring.

[bobraff]

Originally Posted by SeanMurphy

I'd say either a bad starter, though that wouldn't explain the flashers not working, or a bad ground from the battery, though that wouldn't explain why the wipers still work.

Check the negative terminal on the battery and the cable that goes from it to the chassis and from the terminal to the block. If it's corroded, clean it, or if it's broken, replace it with a similarly sized piece of wiring.

When the starter is bad does that make the ignition not buzz when you turn the key? Also why would the starter make it stall to begin with. My Geo has never stalled before.

[bgskypkn]

Hey there, Bobraff
Did you check the underhood fuses? I have a 90 LSI Automatic, and had somewhat of the same problem, It would be running fine then just quit like someone turned off the key. Not sure on a 96 but see if you have a small fuse block under the hood on the drivers side, There are what they call Fusible links, they look like oversized fuses, mine was a 40amp green(ignition curcuit), I pulled mine out and the bottom of it where it slides on the spades was melted, loosing contact and would kill the ignition curcuit. under neath that particular fuse box the wires that go into it are usually plastic connectors check the metal connector inside those to make sure they have a snug fit in the fuse box. what happened with mine was that the metal blade; female connector, was not tight so it started arcing and made it hot so it would totally loose contact and kill the whole car. Anyway take a look, it might be worth a try.To tighten them just use a small pair of needlenosed pliers and squeeze the connectors togeather a bit, where the male blade would slide in it. That fuse on mine supplied the ignition, blower motor, and turn signals. Check yours out
Good luck, Darren

[bgskypkn]

Also if you are getting power to everything else your battery is ok, I would guess something went in your ignition curcuit. I am sure it's not the starter, you need to check your wires from the ignition and see if you are getting power to it in the "on" position, you might try using a test light and poke into a few wires going into it and see if you get power.

[tude123]

I am wondering what you mean by ignition buzz. Are you talking about the sound the fuel pump makes when it's bringing your fuel lines up to pressure? If you are not hearing your pump turn on when you turn your key to 'on', that should be a fairly easy circuit to troubleshoot and would probably lead you to where the rest of your electrical problem resides.

[bgskypkn]

Originally Posted by tude123

I am wondering what you mean by ignition buzz. Are you talking about the sound the fuel pump makes when it's bringing your fuel lines up to pressure? If you are not hearing your pump turn on when you turn your key to 'on', that should be a fairly easy circuit to troubleshoot and would probably lead you to where the rest of your electrical problem resides.

Hey!
Great point, I didn't think of that tude! Yes does the car still crank over meaning does the starter still turn the motor over? If it does turn the key off then turn just to the on position and listen for the whirring sound of the fuel pump pressurizing the system. You can also have someone turn the key on for you, while you take off the fuel tank filler cap and put your ear near the fill tube and there will be a very noticeable whirring sound of the pump, if not check the fuel pump relay under the hood in the fusebox I mentioned earlier, let us know!

[bobraff]

By ignition buzz, I mean the tone that your car makes inside, in the dash board when you turn your key to the on position. I think its actually the seatbelt buzzer or something. But since the car died it doesn't make that noise anymore. The car does not turn over. It just clicks when I turn the key. The dome light works, blower motor works, headlights, windshield wipers, but the hazard lights make a rapid clicking noise if I turn them on, I get no buzz when I turn the key to the on position, and just a click from the starter, does not turn over.

[SeanMurphy]

Maybe you have a couple seperate problems. As suggested, I'd check the fuses and relays in the underhood fuse box for problems. Maybe a main ignition fuse / relay is blown. That would explain why things on the accessory lines (blower, radio, etc) still work. I don't know if the flashers are on ignition, I wouldn't think so, but maybe that's a seperate problem. Check your ignitiion fuses under the hood.

[bobraff]

OK, heres the update. A fuse was blown under the dash, the 15 amp ignition fuse. I replaced that, still wont start. I'm not even getting a click from the start now. But I do notice that when I turn on my headlights now there is a squealing sound coming from the relays. I think I have an indepth electrical problem, and I might just have to bite the bullet.

[cal058]

Have you checked the voltage at the battery?
You should have around 12 volts.
If not, it may be enough to run lights and things but not enough to start the car.
Hope this helps

[Ge0Sc0ut]

Originally Posted by cal058

Have you checked the voltage at the battery?
You should have around 12 volts.
If not, it may be enough to run lights and things but not enough to start the car.
Hope this helps

I had the same problem and i took it to this place near me the works on alot of Geo's and they said it was the starter so I bought a new one...that wasn't it, took it back saying that I thought it was the alternator, but they told me that they checked it out and it was fine. And said it could be the battery isn't big enough for the new starter. So I got myself a new battery.....and yet still after 2 days of working for a little bit it would continue running intill i turned it off, then it wouldn't start again. So I took it back and said change the alternator and they tried to talk me out of it for whatever reason....told them to do it and i payed for it all and now my car is working just fine. So It might be your alternator but i doubt it cause if your radio and air work and lights still work then i guess there just not enough juice to start your car, so maybe get a bigger battery or check the water in your currant battery.

Hope this helps :-D