At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.
I have a 1999 Saturn SL2 and in the past 3 months I have been stranded at least 6 times. The battery and lights all work but it makes no sound at all when you turn the key to start it. I spent $75.00 at Midas to have it diagnosed but no luck finding the problem. I think the fee is a rip off if they don't solve the problem. Anyway, after walking home and bugging friends to pick me up I finally just replaced the starter. 2 days later I made a short trip (1Mile) shut the car off and heard a new sound after the ignition was off. It did not sound like your typical cooling fan. Can anyone out their help diagnose this problem??? The no start issue was always after a series of short trip to run errands etc...Help!!!
- If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
- Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
- Provide details, support with references or personal experience.
Tell us some more! Your answer needs to include more details to help people.You can't post answers that contain an email address.Please enter a valid email address.The email address entered is already associated to an account.Login to postPlease use English characters only.
Tip: The max point reward for answering a question is 15.
it might not be the starter it could just be a relay i would check the relay and if it is just clicking when you try to start it then that is probubly it if not maybe you have a bad batery
BELIEVE IT OR NOT, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MINE, COME TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS THE SOLENOID ON THE SIDE OF THE STARTER. BOUGHT AN ENTIRE STARTER AT THE JUNK YARD FOR $25, CHANGED IT OUT IN ABOUT 30 MINUTES, PROBLEM WENT AWAY COMPLETLY. IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 2 MONTHS SO FAR. IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE THAT THAT WOULD BE THE PROBLEM, BUT AFTER SMAKING THE SIDE OF THE STARTER WITH A BASEBALL BAT A COUPLE OF TIMES, THE CAR FIRED RIGHT UP. THATS HOW I FOUND THE PROBLEM. (A BIG HEADACHE FOR NOTHING).
Sounds exactly like my 1999 SL2 which had "burning and arching" in the fuse box. Car one day be fine the next I'd take it to the store, come back in 10 minutes and wouldn't start, no radio, no power windows, no keyless entry remote, no rear defrost and even locking doors from inside power buttons it sounded odd. This fixed the problem by replacing the fuse box.
Guessing there may be two issues. One might be "burning and arching" of the fuse box. My 1999 SL2 would periodically not even make a noise to turn over and that fixed that. It also had issues that some electrical components wouldn't work at the same time.
This is probably a faulty fuel pressure regulator. You can rent a tool at most auto part stores that connects to the fuel rail to show you the pressure level. If it is low (less than @40 PSI) or if it fluctuates very much, replace the regulator. It is also a good idea to replace the fuel filter, as it can clog and prevent adequate fuel supply from reaching the engine. You may want to replace the filter first, as it is usually cheaper.
It would be hard to guess but a simple diagnostic would be to use a 12v test light and see if the starter solenoid recieves a 12 v signal while turning the key. If it lights, the starter should turn over. This also gives you the oportunity to check and verify all electrical connections at the starter including the large orange fusible link wire at the large battery terminal.
Wow... if the whole car is doing that i would guess it to be electrical issues.like a bad ground...basically a major cable that connects to your frame or directly to the negative side of the battery. You see, electricity leaves its source makes a device operate then the electricity goes back to the source. kinda like a big circle... when you start your car...the battery gets you going...then...the Alternator takes over...recharges the battery while making your car operate on an electrical standpoint. if you break that circle...lights out...be it the wires losing contact. battery failure( usually they STAY dead) or it could be an alternator with an intermittent problem. Based on a money stand point...your battery is fine...i'd replace the alternator...not trusting it after all that. (100- 300 bucks) if it STILL does it..then have a mechanic replace your wiring harness associated with the ignition, starter,alternator and battery( should be just one bundle of wires to fit that portion) .200 to 400 bucks to get that replaced. i hope this helps you out with finding out what the problem is...and i'm sorry to say...getting a fuel filter and fuel pump replacement would not cause a radio to lose power...the battery is like a back up system. don't go back to that mechanic ever again..as he is ripping you off. im an electrician so i know about electricity and i also tinker with cars quite a bit for fun.
×