'96 Z-24 - Starter and Alternator just installed, now it just turns and turns

[oneroundko]

I'll try to keep this short. I have a '96 Z24 with 2.4 liter and recently I had problems with the starter. So, to save myself $300 I put it in with my cousin. It worked at first, but then after about 10 minutes instrument panel and stereo went dead, then the car died.

After replacing the battery, I noticed a wire loose, so I looked around and could'nt figure where it came from. So problem persisted. Then, today, I took the alternator out to have it tested, and low and behold, the wire from the alternator unit was loose not from its bolted end, but that loose wire I had seen earlier.

So...I put it back in and put the wire back onto the starter and noticed a two prong little guy (that looks like the ones that plug into the side lights-type-of-prongs) and have no idea where that thing goes. I then started the car up after puting the alternator wire back to the starter and now it just turns and turns and turns...without kicking over.

Was that wire coming from the alternator supposed to go to the starter? Also, does that other small wire with the rubber protection and two prongs supposed to go the the head?

I'm confused, and if anyone can help, I'd be much obliged.


I will take photos tomorrow if it helps. Please help!


PS: If you EVER try to put a starter or alternator on a 2.4L be prepared to bang your head for a good few hours; this engine is tight!

[Airjer_]

I look forward to the pictures!

[oneroundko]

I keep trying to uplaod several pics but it keeps saying "upload failed." any tips anyone can give me so I can get these pics posted?

[Airjer_]

Yeah, That isn't working right now for some reason and I'm positive the site admins are aware of it.

What you can do is upload them to photobucket or any other image hosting site. You'll see an "IMG Code" under each picture you upload. Copy and paste that link here and the image will appear.

[oneroundko]

I think I got it.

[PlanetDude]

Ok, you owe for this one if I`m right...

On my 98 Z, it appears to me that the wire in question runs to the left, under the intake, and around to the starter.

HOWEVER, if you get under the car (Which I did without stands, had to take my GLASSES off to get clearance under the car) the wire appears to run to the BLOCK beside the starter. Crank position sensor maybe? CPS unplugged would cause a crank but no start, I believe.

Try that. Jack the car up, and look past the starter, behind the oil filter. I bet you find a little two-prong receiver in there that`s empty.

Let us know how it goes.

(PS - I put my glasses back on once I was under the car - so I could see what I was looking at)

[Airjer_]

Nice call planetdude!

[oneroundko]

Originally Posted by PlanetDude

Ok, you owe for this one if I`m right...

On my 98 Z, it appears to me that the wire in question runs to the left, under the intake, and around to the starter.

HOWEVER, if you get under the car (Which I did without stands, had to take my GLASSES off to get clearance under the car) the wire appears to run to the BLOCK beside the starter. Crank position sensor maybe? CPS unplugged would cause a crank but no start, I believe.

Try that. Jack the car up, and look past the starter, behind the oil filter. I bet you find a little two-prong receiver in there that`s empty.

Let us know how it goes.

(PS - I put my glasses back on once I was under the car - so I could see what I was looking at)

You think that's it, huh? I'm going back under there first thing tomorrow and will post back. These damn engines are so tight; I had no idea. I've had mine for 5 years since 85K on the odometer, and it's at 120K now, and I've had ZERO problems with this engine/car. I would buy another one in a heart beat, even though I now know how tight everything is under there. I didn't even put the bottom bolt back into the alternator it was darn near impossible.

[PlanetDude]

Try it.... it appears as though the wires are the same colour, the plug the same size, and it`s a logical routing.... and also logical for you to remove it, I bet it was in the way.

Try it, I`m curious to see if it solves your problem. Post back and let me know.

[oneroundko]

Originally Posted by PlanetDude

Try it.... it appears as though the wires are the same colour, the plug the same size, and it`s a logical routing.... and also logical for you to remove it, I bet it was in the way.

Try it, I`m curious to see if it solves your problem. Post back and let me know.

Will do.

[J-Ri]

Check fuses, might have popped one somehow. Nothing you did should cause a crank-no-start.

The 2-prong connector won't be the CKP sensor, it is 3-prong. Did you disconnect it from something when you did the starter or was it disconnected before? Might be the IAT, but it's been a while since I've seen a 2.4. It looks like it's a short wire, just look everywhere it can reach.

[oneroundko]

Originally Posted by J-Ri

Check fuses, might have popped one somehow. Nothing you did should cause a crank-no-start.

The 2-prong connector won't be the CKP sensor, it is 3-prong. Did you disconnect it from something when you did the starter or was it disconnected before? Might be the IAT, but it's been a while since I've seen a 2.4. It looks like it's a short wire, just look everywhere it can reach.

It might have been loose before. My cousin and I took the old starter out because that was bad for sure (saved me $300.00 doing it, but I obviously have problems now). It could be a two-prong plug for some front end lights. This is frustrating now - you're saying it's not what PlanetDude said. I can check the fuses under the hood I suppose.

[oneroundko]

Okay, I have no idea where this two-prong plug goes. I just can't figure it, or if it's even the culprit. The wires are purple and yellow however, so maybe someone has an idea where they would go with that information?

Would the color of different wires be in the Chilton's manual somewhere?

[oneroundko]

More photos (with the manifold removed):












I took a couple pics from the bottom, as you'll notice, showing the oil filter and some of the starter.

[oneroundko]

Checked fuses as well - both in the cockpit and under the hood - and didn't notice any burned out.