Suggestions please - engine not starting.

[leroy17]

Hi guys,
Seeking some suggestions on where or what else to look for.

Car started as per normal and went for a drive, Stopped for 15 min, went back to car, everything went as normal, imobiliser off, fuel pump primed and warning lights on however upon starting there was no engine cranking.

Not even the clicking sound when the battery is low. Anyway can push/cluch started no worries and still runs normal, electrical power is as normal.

Got home and starting checking everything that I can think of, battery has plenty of charge (swapped a battery with a full charged one just in case to test - same result), all fuses and relays that I can find appear o.k, connections for electrical behind the dash are all good.

I tried a few tests, lights on and ignition on, attempted to start however no dimming of lights which suggest that this is the link that has the issue.

At trying to start the 'start' relay clicks as normal, I have replaced this relay and still the same, fuel pump primes, warning lights on, relay clicks upon attempting to start but there is nothing.

I am at a bit of a loss so seeking suggestions.

The motor is a LS1.

Thanks in advance guys, I am confident that it is something simple as it started normally before and , runs normally, just missing the actual start.

Cheers.

[Zedn]

starter motor.

[Modena]

use a multimeter, while someone turns the key (be very careful tp keep fingers clear), measure if you have voltage across the starter motor solenoid - if you do then its starter motor, if you dont then its relay/wiring/barrel/etc

[750hp]

I've had two cars that had a faulty starter motor solenoid - both a while ago now. I could tap the solenoid with a rubber hammer and it'd work another few times before I had to give it a nudge again.

Not that I'm saying that hitting small things with large objects works for everyone, but it worked for me...

[marcalan]

How about the cables from the battery to the starter? Check for loose connection at the starter.

[boxhead]

Get someone who can help you, then look at the starter motor, you will see a small blade terminal, take this terminal off the starter solenoid and put the test light pointy end in the wire terminal. Connect the aligator terminal end of test light to a good earth.
Now get helper to turn ignition on, make sure immobiliser is off and get them to crank, the test light should light up, if it does then fault is in starter solenoid, if it does not then fault is in wiring from ignition switch to starter.
If you want to test the starter, then run a jump wire from a 12v supply to small terminal on starter, easiest way will be to get a 6 inch length of wire, crimp on a female blade terminal and bare the wires at other end.
Now connect the female terminal to small terminal on starter solenoid and contact large bolt power wire at starter motor solenoid (battery voltage) starter should crank over, if not then starter is no good.

If you have to gain access from under the car then make sure you have good jack stands and also make sure car is in neutral.

Another thought, is your car auto or manual, because if auto it could be in the neutral start switch. (if no test light in first test)

[leroy17]

Hi guys,

Well thumbs down to me for trying to overcomplicate the non start and trying all other things.

Put the car on stands... slid underneath to get to the starter to check connections and all options as suggested above.

So what do I see??? The flat female conector was disconnected from the starter... (palm of hand slaps forhead).

Anyway, checked and cleaned all connections, crimped the connector so it will be tighter and guess what... it started....... so I went for a drive and enjoyed the afternoon.

Anyway.. thanks for the replies, really appreciated.

Cheers.

[Merv and Sharon]

We have all had such moments ...

[750hp]

I still think you should hit it with a hammer

Glad it was an easy fix.

[leroy17]

Originally Posted by 750hp

I still think you should hit it with a hammer

Glad it was an easy fix.

I did!!!!!

Before I slid right under I reached under to give it some love taps with the trusty hammer..... tried to start but no go..... so then I got right under and discovered the disconected wire.

[boxhead]

You should have just told us you found an open circuit in the starter harness.
You would have sounded like an auto sparky then.

[cameron02]

I felt good reading this post. 2 reasons.

1. People here are very helpfull
2. I'm not the only one who checks the most complicated areas first, only to find the answer was simple