Car Not Starting - Not Battery: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Dec. 25, 2011 6:50 p.m. BattlePope New Reader

Hey guys,

I drive a 1994 Geo Prizm and recently it's been hard to start when it's really cold out (usually late at night is the only time I have problems with it). I hear the clicking, which I believe is the solenoid trying to kick the starter in (right?) but the engine doesn't actually start. I know that normally the battery would be the first thing to inspect but I just replaced this battery 1-2 weeks before. What might it be guys?

Unfortunately I'm not able to check anything right now since I'm back home (my car's 3000 miles away) for the holidays, but just wanted to get an idea of what I can check when I get back home. And if I remember correctly, my lights were pretty dim when the car wasn't starting. More dim than usual...if that helps at all. Anyways, anyone have any ideas what might be wrong?

Thanks!
Dec. 25, 2011 6:53 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

still could be battery
Dec. 25, 2011 6:54 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

Why did you replace the battery? Because it wouldn't start? Did you do any diagnostics on it or did you just throw parts at it and hope for the best?

(Charge the battery, test the electrical system, go from there. You probably need an alternator or a battery cable.)
Dec. 25, 2011 7:08 p.m. BattlePope New Reader

Yea I replaced the car battery because it wouldn't start and it had been 6+ years since it had been replaced. How would I "test the electrical system"?
Dec. 25, 2011 7:16 p.m. wbjones SuperDork

in the past cars of mine that clicked but wouldn't start had a problem with the solenoid ...

didn't hurt to replace a 6+ yo battery ... but try shorting the solenoid ... assuming you can get to it easily a screw driver laid across the contacts could/should start the car... might have to have someone help .... as in push the clutch in (straight drive with safety starting clutch switch) or maybe foot on the brake ( auto with brake/starting safety switch)
Dec. 25, 2011 7:30 p.m. DrBoost SuperDork

remove the battery terminals and wire-brush everything. Follow the negative cable to the next place it goes (might be the body of the car, could be the engine) and wire-brush that as well.
Start the car up and drive it down to Autozone and have them test the alternator and starter on the car. It's free.
Dec. 25, 2011 7:53 p.m. 1988RedT2 SuperDork

I just put a new starter on the RX-7. After 23 years, the old one was turning really slow. I figured my battery was marginal. New battery didn't significantly increase the cranking speed. With the new starter, I can't believe how fast she spins.
Dec. 26, 2011 10:14 a.m. LopRacer Reader

I concur check the wires to starter, check the batery cables for corrosion. Get it started and take for O reilly's, Autozone, Advance have them check the whole system with their machine.

Or jump the starter soleniod and see if the starter turns over, make sure it is in Neutral first.

Might really be the starter going bad. Had same problem with my 1990 Prizm last year. Turned out to be the starter had an intermitant problem.
Dec. 26, 2011 11:03 a.m. fasted58 SuperDork

just on general principles I'd replace the battery cables and clean all grounds and connections. Cables are cheap. More than once I cut open a POS cable to find it full of the dreaded green E36 M3.
Dec. 26, 2011 11:28 a.m. iceracer SuperDork

Most common problem. Poor battery connections.
Dec. 26, 2011 11:27 p.m. Strizzo SuperDork

After checking your battery cables (it doesn't have those stupid side mounts does it?) check grounds to the motor. Had a guy once that replaced te starter and battery but his truck still acted like the battery was weak or the starter was bad. It was only when I had him try to crank it over while I watched under the hood and saw smoke from behind the cylinder head that we figured it out. A leaky valve cover let oil run down the back of the head and rot the ground strap.

A few bucks from the Help! Section and he was good to go.
Dec. 27, 2011 12:08 a.m. curtis73 Dork

Bottom line is that you aren't getting juice (or enough of it) to the starter motor itself. The juice travels from battery to the solenoid to starter motor. First test the voltage of the battery. If its not over 12v, either its a bad battery, or the alternator hasn't been properly charging it. Also check and repair any wimpy/corroded connections. If that doesn't do it, test the solenoid by shorting it like wbjones says.

Another quick test is to tap on the starter. Don't tap hard because I think those are a permanent magnet starter and you can break the magnet if you hit it too hard. Use a broom handle or the handle of a hammer. Have someone hold the switch in the start position while you tap the starter. If it magically spins to life, its a bad starter. If it doesn't magically spin to life, that doesn't mean the starter is good but at least that's an easy test.

If you jump start it, does it work? If so, that might indicate an alternator or battery issue. If you get it started, test the battery voltage while its running. If its not above 13v, chances are the alternator (or wiring) is bad. A properly operating alternator should be giving the battery at least 13.5v, but typically 14.7v. Anything 13v and below is no good. Anything 15v and above is also no good.