96z

My car wont start but it will bump start with out a problem...a little history...my starter housing was cracked in half so I got a new starter and replaced it with a new GM unit....the car started 3 times without a problem and then wouldnt start at all.

When you turn the key forward you hear the starter try once, then twice, then three times, then it goes quiet. I thought it was the battery so I took it to autozone and it was perfect. I then go to start the car when I get home, it struggles but goes. Then I get stranded later that night and the same thing happens.

I tried jumping the car to no avail and get no clicking like I have in the past when the battery has been dead.....but the car bump starts with no problem. Radio works, windows work, and the gauge on the dash shows 12-13 volts when driving.

The only thing new thrown into the equation was starter and ever since Ive been having trouble....should this be even though its brand new.

96z

anyone?

Zjoker

Turn the lights on, attempt to start it; if the lights don't dim check the ground wire at the battery and starter. Insure it is good bare metal to metal contact on them.

96z

I had the lights on, they dont dim at all. Ill check the grounds again but they should all be ok....

96z

Anyone? Please!!! This car wont start and I dont know why????

LT1ponykilla

I know when I had bad starting problems. It was my fuel pump that went out. I wasnt getting any fuel to the car.

96z

Ive already checked that and it was ok...

ZDriver96

All the possible problems are-

Corroded battery cables (check for resistance using an ohm meter) Disconnect the red one from the starter and from the batter and test. Disconnect the black one from the alternator and check.
Check your Grounds- 1 grounded to the engine and the other grounded to frame above the radiator.

Bad Battery (but it checked out good)

Bad clutch switch. When you press in your clutch the top part of the clutch arm moves away from the switch and closes the circuit so u can start your car. Its easy to pull out.. Its a white/tan looking thing about the size of your thumb. Pull it out and test it with the multimeter. You should read an open and close when pushing and releasing the button.

Bad Ignition switch. You'll have to pull out the 2 panels underneath the steering colum. Look back towards the pedals where the steering column connects to the firewall... take out those 3 bolts so u can pull the steering column down towards your lap. The ignition switch sits ontop of the steering column. Try hotwiring your car or test it with a multimeter. If u can hotwire your car then its the ignition switch. If you cant hot wire your car and you know the battery, grounds, fuel pump, and starter are good then its your body control module/theft detterent or relay to the theft detterent.

Bad Starter/Solenoid- Both are 1 unit. Make sure its not your problem

Body Control Module/ Theft detterent and Theft Detterent relay-

Located under your glove box on the right hand side. A black box with some wires going to it. When you take out the glove box reach in to the right side and feel for the 2 relays that u probably cant see because some plastic below the vent is in the way.. Pull those to out so u can see. 1 of them is the relay you can use to see if the Theft detterent is your problem. I forget which one it is. Take one out and connect a wire from the top right plug to the lower left plug. Then try starting your car. If it starts its either the relay or the control module. This also bypasses your clutch switch.

Fuel Pump- Get a fuel pressure gauge and check your fuel pressure. When turning to the accessory position the pump should build to 36-40psi. 96 z's have the fuel pressure valve on the back side of the intake manifold.

Thats it... That everything that could keep your car from not starting.

Your problem sounds like the starter though?? The Theft detterent wouldnt even let the car try and turn over.

96z

ZDriver96 thanks for that extensive list. Now I have something to go after and troubleshoot, thanks again.