7 replies to this topic

[gooley]

I have a big Problem......

My car wont start unless i put a screwdriver to my Starter motor which starts it fine....

But when i try and turn it over by the key it doesnt do anything i see a few guages move which is the battery guage and i think the Fuel Guage......also i have an immobiliser which was installed 8 Months ago but it started up fine and it turns off whenever i put the little key into the control unit.......Fuses are fine and normal....Battery is charged and also another thing is wrong with the alternator but im replacing that soon.... when i turn to start nothing happens in the engine bay so its not even trying to turnover at all.....

What checks am i supposed to do to find out what is wrong????

[boomfunk]

i've generally used a screwdriver to start cars when the starter or i should say solenoid is on its way out..or already out

get another starter, or look into that area

[lakeside]

battery clamp is loose. check if you have 12v at sol when key turns

[TerrA LX]

maybe the ignition switch, on the coloum, with time the contacts get dirty, either get a new one, pull apart the old one and clean, or install a relay at the solenoid ignition wire, using this wire to trigger the relay and then you will have full battery power to the solenoid.
cleaning the switch is not anways successful.

EDIT if its LC LJ then the switch could be elsewere as i know later model layout better.

Edited by ALX76, 11 January 2007 - 06:23 PM.

[tinkers]

If you are starting it by shorting out the solenoid (screw driver to starter) then check that ....

* the wire hasnt come loose
* the 2 screws are still in place and are tight

if these are ok then the starter needs rebuilding, the bushes might need a reco

Have you tried giving the starter a firm tap wrong end of a hammer works, give it a couple of taps and the car should start.

[smeer]

hmm, i could sware i've seen your car parked opposite a footy oval just around the corner from my place (near Alberton station)

is this you?

[TerrA LX]

a simple check would be to attatch a length of wire to the ignition terminal on the starter and give it 12v thru that, if it works every time, just like your screwdriver then your starter is fine, but do checks as above for tightness etc.

Edited by ALX76, 11 January 2007 - 10:59 PM.

[rodomo]

also i have an immobiliser which was installed 8 Months ago but it started up fine and it turns off whenever i put the little key into the control unit

This is a little confusing to me. Does this mean the immobiliser has never been a problem? Is this immobiliser set up to stop the engine from cranking?
Has the weather been very hot where you are and the car left in the sun?
First check as mentioned above is battery voltage at solenoid wire (or within 1/2 a voltish)

Edited by rodomo, 12 January 2007 - 12:00 AM.