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Join Date: Sep 2015
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Car wont start.

09/24/2015 5:38 PM

I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier LS and when I turn the the key on the engine doesn't start. I know the battery isn't dead. The only thing that happens is when I turn the key on the lights on the dash board turn on, the fuel pump starts up, and I can hear a little click in the engine. I checked the fuses and they were completely fine, I looked at the spark plugs and they were good. So I have no idea what could be wrong with my car. Any information would be really helpful.

Thanks.

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#1

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 5:58 PM

1. That "little click in the engine" is probably the starter solenoid. Sounds like either it or the starter needs replaced.

2. Saying the "battery isn't dead", doesn't mean it is up to the amp draw of starting the engine. Often a battery will run lights radio..., but still not have the capacity left to start the engine. Have you tried jumping the battery? Most of the circuits on a car require 5-50 amps - max. The starter can use 200+ amps on a small engine.

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#13
In reply to #1

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:42 PM

I have not tried jumping the car yet. I just don't see why I would need to, because there would be nothing draining anything from the battery over night. I drive the car every day and the alternator should be charging the battery. I turned on my headlights to see if they were any dimmer than usual, the lights were the same brightness.

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#35
In reply to #1

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 1:47 AM

Good answer

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#36
In reply to #1

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 3:03 AM

GA

A really good answer that the OP is simply not understanding (yet! I haven't read down to the bottom of the blog either at this time!)

Furthermore, checking spark plugs on an engine that does not spin on the starter, demonstrates the total lack of knowledge (and understanding) that this OP has about starting cars....that was a time waster!!

NOT jumping the car (which he refuses to do for some reason!!) is his next major error. Which I could have maybe(?) forgiven if had posted say the voltage of the battery unloaded. But even that does not tell the whole story!!!

He was born lucky that you posted so well!! Sad that he understands so little.....

I will now read to the end to see what actually happens....

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#52
In reply to #1

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 8:13 AM

GA, my thoughts exactly. Or, check the battery connections, might be corroded.

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#2

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 6:02 PM

What happens if you turn the headlights on?

Are they bright or dim? Now try to start the car. Do they go out?

I have developed a theory about Cavaliers.

They are all cursed at the factory by a witch doctor.

When a person buys one, the curse instantly sucks all the automotive intelligence out of their brain, rendering them incapable of properly describing the symptoms.

Turning an ignition key to the "on/run" position would let you hear the fuel pump run for 3-6 or 8 seconds and turn the dash lights and gauges on. Headlights may, or may not, turn on.

Turning the key to the "start" position would energize the starter. That may be when you heat the click. Releasing the key will allow it to return to the on/run position.

You may be turning the key to the start position, bypassing the on/run position and not allowing the fuel pump sufficient time to pressurize the fuel rails.

So, try the headlights and get back to us.

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#9
In reply to #2

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:20 PM

My headlights are normal brightness. I don't know if the headlights go out when I hold the key in the start position. I would have to have someone look at the headlights while I turn the key. If the headlights went out while I held it in the start position, would it be a weaker battery? I'm not sure if anything is wrong with the battery. I don't have a voltage tester to see if the battery is carrying out the 12 volts.

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#11
In reply to #9

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:33 PM

OK, let's go back to the click. Never mind the headlights.

Turn everything you can in the car off.

Then turn the key to the first position, not the spring loaded start position. You should hear a hum of the fuel pump for a few seconds. Never mind the dash lights.

Then turn to the start position and hold the key there for 5 seconds. Do you hear one click, or more?

If you have no one to help you, tell us.

Do you have jumper cables and a friend with a car?

That's enough for now.

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#15
In reply to #11

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:47 PM

When I turn the key to the first position I do hear the fuel pump hum. When I turn it to the start position I hear only one click. I think its the starter problem in the engine.

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#17
In reply to #15

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:51 PM

Edited, because you are going to try jumping it.

"It is the easiest thing to do". (A line from Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills and Nash)

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#25
In reply to #15

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 11:08 AM

It is either the starter solenoid as previously stated, the starter is worn out, the starter relay is bad/failed, or the ignition switch has failed.

Use of a proper VOM/DVOM to measure the voltage at the starter solenoid terminals during starting attempts is required to isolate the cause.

If you have never done this test procedure before it is best that you have someone that is competent to perform the testing.

Autozone, O'Reilys, NAPA, and several other local parts stores will help you troubleshoot the issue without charge.

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#29
In reply to #25

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 11:05 PM

Of course,

In order to take the car to autozone to get it checked the car would have to be running in which case don't bother taking it there because you won't have to.

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#61
In reply to #29

Re: Car wont start.

09/29/2015 10:30 AM

I would think that towing it there would be the obvious solution.

Hopefully they have a friend or relative that would help them out in their time of need.

I do not know what the OP's budget is nor how close the vehicle is to a parts store but doing so is significantly cheaper than the alternative.

Many of the parts stores will provide the correct tools to perform the work for free unless the issue requires major repair.

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#62
In reply to #29

Re: Car wont start.

09/29/2015 10:51 AM

If it were O'Reilys, you could wait until St.Patrick's Day, get a bottle of good Irish whiskey and lure him to your house to check it.

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#28
In reply to #2

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 4:18 PM

There is a counter-curse that involves complicated gyrations along with certain expletives that cannot be mentioned here. Also, one must find the opportunity to perform this ritual, out of earshot and eyesight, from other persons, as this may bring about a visit from the local constabulary and/or a lightning strike from above.

When I was a child, our neighbor, Mr. Rushbrook, had run the rear wheel of his auto up a utility pole guy wire. This gave me the opportunity to gather a virtual storehouse of oaths, upon which, when recited to my mother, caused a great deal of consternation.

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#32
In reply to #28

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 12:04 AM

Reminds me of A Christmas Story.

Only Ralphie didn't say fuuuuuuuuuuuudggggggggge, either.

Invoking ritual chants hardly ever works these days, as we have lost the karma.

I've even tried launching uncooperative wrenches on healing/cleansing trips across the cul-de-sac with few positive results.

I however, did feel a certain calming feeling after the ritual was completed and I had had a chance to take a short, relaxing walk across said cul-de-sac to retrieve the healed implement.

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#3

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 6:10 PM

Should've bought a Koken. But that's just my opinion.

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 6:15 PM

After all the trouble you had with yours?!

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#22
In reply to #4

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 3:08 AM

Kokens are usually very reliable. I was unlucky - '69 was a bad year.

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#5

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 6:25 PM

Clean your battery posts and connectors, and ground wire from battery and on starter...check the voltage on the battery...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsJUuLu1cw0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn7BHBGY5xQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hCxzGpxVTw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5DpsRwHTfo

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#12
In reply to #5

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:33 PM

I already tried that cleaning the posts, I think its the starter in the engine. I am hearing people saying that it might be the starter in the engine. I obviously have no clue what the problem is. Only if they made OBD2 engine scanners work without the engine running.

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#14
In reply to #12

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:43 PM

I almost said something really stupid, like don't listen to "people", when that's all this forum is.

So, if any of these people have jumper cables, ask them for help. Hook them up positive/red to positive/red and then negative/black, first to the donor battery, and then to the suspect battery.

Let the donor car run for at least 5 minutes before trying to start the dead one.

If you have glasses, wear them.

[Edit} response to #13. JUMP THE CAR!

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#16
In reply to #14

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:50 PM

I will have to try to use jumper cables. I will let you know tomorrow if it does or doesn't work

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#27
In reply to #16

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 1:24 PM

I forgot that my car battery died a few weeks ago from my headlights left on. I saw the headlights and the were really dim. When I tried to turn on my car, the car almost turned over and I almost started it with lower battery power.... So if I look at my headlights right now and the lights are bright, then the battery cant be almost dead. If I cant even get the car to turnover then the starter is junk now.

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#44
In reply to #27

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 12:30 PM

If when you try to start it the dash lights should dim along with interior lights....if this isn't happening then it could be the ignition switch....starter's seldom go bad....however bad connections happen all the time....

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#51
In reply to #44

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 8:08 AM

starters DO go bad and so do the solenoids on most GM vehicles. Sounds to me like brushes and if so hitting the starter with a hammer (seriously-have done it more than once and it worked) a few times MAY get it working so you can drive to the autoparts tto pick up another one, just don't shut it off until you get to where it can be changed out.

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#46
In reply to #14

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 10:52 PM

Negative connection to the car being "jumped" should be to an engine ground, not the battery terminal.

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#48
In reply to #46

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 11:19 PM

Do you actually think the OP would even know what an "engine ground" is?

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#60
In reply to #48

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 9:40 PM

When you've been through 45+years of car problems, and you're typing late at night, these things don't enter into your mind-you just want to help some poor SOB solve a problem.

You're probably right though.

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#30
In reply to #12

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 11:22 PM

The starter is not " In " the engine.

The five main parts of the engine are :

1. The Block ( also known as : the cylinder block )

2. The head, or the cylinder head.

3. The oil pan, obviously this is where the engine oil is contained.

4. The intake manifold, this is how cool air gets into the engine.

5. The exhaust manifold, this is how hot, spent gasses of combustion leave the engine.

The starter is a component of the engine.

An engine is comprised of many different components.

Here is a short list of several different engine components:

A. Starter.

B. Fuel injectors.

C. Power steering Pump.

D. Alternator.

All of these components are mounted " outside " of the engine.

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#34
In reply to #12

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 1:34 AM

My OBD2 Scanner works fine , key on, engine off.If you can read Data Stream you can read voltage to the computer.

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#6

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 7:17 PM

how did the dipstick look?

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#18
In reply to #6

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:58 PM

I don't know if you are taking about, the oil dipstick or the transmission dipstick? I already checked the oil one and that's was at the perfect level of oil. I didn't check the transmission one yet. I watched a video on You Tube and someone had the same problem as my car. So the person checked the oil dipstick and there was no oil on it, and the engine was completely ruined. I was glad when I saw oil on my cars dipstick.

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#20
In reply to #18

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 12:08 AM

Don't mind him, he IS a dipstick! He's just giving you a hard time.

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#37
In reply to #6

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 3:15 AM

LOL!!!

The "Dipstick" is still looking around for the starter, when he has not proved it is defective or not by jumping the battery....

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#57
In reply to #6

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 8:59 PM

With his eyes.

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#7

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 7:23 PM

It's sounds like your battery is not dead, but very, very sick. Operating a few dash lights and such is very easy work for even a sick car battery. Starters draw lots of current (maybe 100 Amps).

Before you replace the battery, check the terminals. A corroded or loose battery connection will have the same effect as a sick battery. Make sure they are clean and tight.

Batteries are specially designed to fail right after the warranty runs out. Maybe yours just did.

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#19
In reply to #7

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 12:05 AM

Are there symptoms of a bad battery? I haven't had any problems with my battery. The only time my battery ever died on me was a few weeks ago. I forgot my headlights on and the car doesn't ding when I forget to turn them off.

My next problem is to figure out why my car doesn't ding.

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#21
In reply to #19

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 12:44 AM

It's your right headlight.

Good luck.

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#26
In reply to #19

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 11:38 AM

Are there symptoms of a bad battery? Yes, the solenoid goes click and it won't start. Sound familiar?

You keep on insisting the battery isn't bad, tell us you have no way to check it, then tell us you damaged the battery a few weeks ago.

Get off the computer, get a friend and jump the effing battery!

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#31
In reply to #19

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 11:31 PM

Do you really miss the " Ding " that your car used to make ?

I mean if it stopped dinging from now on, how long would you be upset ?

Do you really need a Ding to remind you to do things like turning off the headlights etc ?

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#8

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 8:07 PM

Check your battery connection, if it's a side mount, I had where the threads were stripped.

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#10
In reply to #8

Re: Car wont start.

09/24/2015 11:25 PM

I looked at the battery cables that go to the battery and they were fine. I kinda did everything I could do with the battery, except try recharging it. I know the battery isn't dead, but I think it wouldn't hurt to try to hook it up to a battery charger. There might not be 12 volts coming out of the battery.

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#24
In reply to #10

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 10:31 AM

at one time I had an Oldsmobile Intrique with the same problem. And until, I actually looked at the cable, I saw the threads on the bolts were flattened, I bought new bolts, and when I installed them, and tighten them into the battery, I saw that the threads in the battery was also stripped. It worked for a while, but it kept loosening, until it finally stripped.... New battery, problem solved.

So, again, make sure you inspect them

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#23

Re: Car wont start.

09/25/2015 7:04 AM

There was a similar thread a few days ago, that time with a Koken Barber Chair that wouldn't start either. That particular discussion has matured since, so maybe the answer lies there, perhaps? - use the Search this Forum box over there ----->

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#33

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 12:40 AM

Take your battery down to the nearest Auto Zone, or Advanced Auto, and have them check it for a shorted cell. If that is not the problem, then it could be something as inconceivable as a broken/cracked wire, which gets bent every time you open your driver's side door. Why some manufacturers feel the need to route these wires back out from under the hood, and through a door hinge, I can only conclude is part of some intricate planned obsolescence 'plan'; as, designed by the department of redundancy department.

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#38

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 3:39 AM

Car batteries. (not deep discharge or leisure for example!)

Depending upon manufacturer, type, size, age, usage, temperatures, maintenance and probably a thousand other effects, they are sensitive things.

What they really "hate", is being severely discharged and not recharged immediately, which is how they are normally treated. They get discharged to a degree when starting the engine, which then (usually!) runs and tops them back up again. This causes little or no damage..

But....the longer they stay in a discharged or partially discharged state (below 12.6 volts for most makes, with no load, or just the static loads that a modern car has), the more the damage caused, especially in cheap versions. High quality ones usually handle it slightly better....

Jumping the battery, as has been mentioned several time already to no avail, the OP sees no reason to try that!!!, simply using another car, with its engine running, will help to prove whether or not the battery is simply low, or maybe needing replacement, or the starter needs attention, or maybe possibly an anti theft device is (wrongly!) active.

Though I have not seen one that blocks the starter for many years, and the "click" would normally demonstrate that at least the solenoid is working, so usually not anti theft.

Mine lets the engine start and run for a few seconds, then stops the engine for example, probably to stop people trying to "fix" the anti theft problem with a new starter and/or battery!!! Now that WOULD be annoying!!!

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#39

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 4:02 AM

I suggest OP listens and does as "Kilowatt0" suggests. This thread is too long for this a simple problem

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#40

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 8:04 AM

Use a 1/2 drive big socket and socket on the crankshaft bolt and check if the engine will turn over. Chevy has a bad problem with leaking intake gaskets. You may have water in the cylinders. If it won't turn over pull the plugs and retry.

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#41

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 9:12 AM

Chevy Cavalier Engineers gave-up many years ago (goals met or exceeded), maybe time for others to follow suit? The model in question has been designed to generate every conceivable failure associated with the sum of its parts. this is why engineering approved the Cavalier for sale, the model met and/or exceeded all specifications generated by a board of accountants in their Ivory Tower.1. these failures are directly proportional to the purchase price of the sum,2. the lower the purchase price the higher the failure rates, 3. the more repair's made the more failures will accrue,5. the more failures generated the more they can charge for replacements due to shortage of replacements.6. purchasers of the Cavilier all suffer from using the same aproche to purchasing the tools needed to diagnose problems with said Cavilier ( they are gave a copy of the web address (cr4.globalspec.com) for CR4 to use as first step to diagnostics).
I think maybe you get the just of it, Urgent Alert, CR4 now requires all members to address Cavalier Repair issues.

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#42

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 9:37 AM

Oh no, not another POC Cavalier! It's 15 years old, going on 16 years. Drag it to the junk yard and buy a new car....save yourself a lot on $$$ too. LOL

Frankly, I believe that the starter "Bendix" is dead as a door nail, as others have said before me. That "click" noise when you turn the ignition key was a dead giveaway. It is a easy fix if you want to turn the wrench yourself.....buy a rebuilt starter from your local auto parts store or a salvaged one. Don't buy a new expensive one, 'cause look at the age of your wheels!

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#43
In reply to #42

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 11:14 AM

IF it's a manual shift, putting it in gear, letting off the parking brake and rocking it can sometimes free up a jammed Bendix (used to do it quite often on my Mk I Ford Escort, back in the day).

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#47
In reply to #43

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 11:18 PM

I had the same problem with the last GM manual that I owned (about 45+years ago).

The problem wasn't the solenoid, but the starter motor itself. The poles of the stator and rotor were slightly out of alignment.

Works only on manual transmissions.

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#45
In reply to #42

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 5:35 PM

I had an 2001 Oldsmobile intrigue, that is known to rust from the inside out. And living in Wisconsin, I can attest to that.

It was mechanically sound, but, it was dropping pieces of its self on the road. I could no longer use the standard Jack to raise it because that car crumbled as the jack raised. 14 months ago, I drove it to the junk yard, and made $500 bucks off of it.

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#49

Re: Car wont start.

09/26/2015 11:33 PM

You mention that you hear the fuel pump "click"; is it delivering fuel?

My second thought is recalling a Chrysler I owned that had a"dual ballast" resistor, and would occasionally refuse to start (so I kept a spare in the glove compartment).

One poster noted the behavior of an anti-theft system; does your car have one, and might that be the cause of your problem?

As far as jumper cables, I never drive without them. And don't try to save money by buying cheap cables. I was able to jump-start someone when another person had no luck. Get 8-gauge or better.

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#58
In reply to #49

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 9:09 PM

Until the starter turns the engine, he does not need fuel, or ignition. They only come into play after the starter starts to work.

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#50

Re: Car wont start.

09/27/2015 9:46 AM

It sounds like a dud start solenoid, so get a piece of heavy gauge insulated wire and by-pass it. Poke one end of the wire hard against the starter motor feed terminal, and poke the other end hard against the battery 'live' terminal. The starter motor will turn if it is OK - assuming you are right about the battery being OK.

With the ignition on, and held in contact long enough (the wire will get hot) then the engine might also start. With the brakes on and in neutral, your car won't run away.

If the engine starts, I accept no responsibility for your fingers getting burnt (the hot wire), hair, ties, scarves, sleeves, and arms etc, getting caught up in the fan belt and pulleys etc,

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#55
In reply to #50

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 11:04 AM

The starter motor was crap. I got a new one. The relay that turns on the engine doesn't work also. So I have to get a new one. The only way I can turn on my car for right now is to touch a wire in the relay to the positive of the battery

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#53

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 9:19 AM

Okay - add one more to the total count of Cavalier posts!!!!

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#54

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 10:59 AM

Well apparently I got my car started. The problem was the starter motor. I also need a new relay part that turns on the engine from the ignition. Then that problem will be solved. Next I have to fix my headlights

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#56
In reply to #54

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 12:15 PM

Sounds like new car time.

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#59
In reply to #54

Re: Car wont start.

09/28/2015 9:20 PM

Were there any warnings to the starter going bad?

Yes, the starter would not turn. That was likely the starter brushes wearing to the point where the spring pushing them against the armature was no longer strong enough to make contact. THAT is why you were told to try tapping on the starter. the jarring might allow contact which would then allow the starter to spin.

Another possibility was that the starter solenoid had worn and was now pitted enough that it did not pass the high current th the starter post. Again, hitting the starter might allow sufficient contact to allow the starter to spin.

BTW, the starter solenoid is the smaller round device mounted to the starter motor. And the extra current available to the starter when using jumper cables MIGHT have overcome either of these problems, and allowed you to start the car.

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#63

Re: Car wont start.

09/29/2015 10:58 AM

One thing I feel should be made clear here.

The term "Jumping" does not mean to leap over car or battery, but rather the connection of a known good automotive electrical system, preferably running, to the suspect battery.

If there is a serious problem, the smoke may escape from the known good system, it is at this point you are allowed to jump and skip away.

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#64

Re: Car wont start.

10/01/2015 6:43 AM

I have a 2000 Chevy Cavalier LS and when I turn the the key on the engine doesn't start.
That makes it a very safe Cavalier.

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#65
In reply to #64

Re: Car wont start.

10/01/2015 7:57 AM

I turn the key on the engine doesn't start.

Situation: Normal

That is what happens in the little black box under the hood when you turn the key.

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#67
In reply to #64

Re: Car wont start.

10/05/2015 10:45 PM

And, a very reliable Cavalier. You get to know exactly where you will be when your Cavalier is going to not start. Now isn't that comforting to know.

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#66

Re: Car wont start.

10/02/2015 7:07 PM

Yet ANOTHER Chevy Cavalier thread in this forum... I smell trolls...

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