No Start / No Crank Question

[miyagi-san]

My 1985 has been acting funky with starting. Sometimes, when you turn the key, it does nothing. I know the battery's charged and connected well, because all the lights come on just fine and sometimes it does eventually crank and start.

Is this the starter, the solenoid, the neutral start switch? Is there any way to figure out which, because I can't afford to buy all three?

[takza]

I have a similar problem now and then...starter solenoid...supposed to be a contact in there that can be cleaned. Mine will always start next try...so I haven't fixed it yet.

[terkill]

My CJ7 had that problem but it stranded me at a gas station. i had a very veryyyyy old battery at the time so i suspected that and had my dad tow it home behind a durango 5 miles, haha.

My problem was the cable to the starter was loose enough that it was still connected but it didn't touch. All you heard was a LOUD "CLICK" "CLICK"

Re-tightened it and problem solved... perhaps the problems are similar? You say yours does nothing though.

[Petros]

I would not randomly replace parts thinking that will solve it, find out what causes it and fix only that.

First, clean all the connections between the battery and the starter, make sure the swagged terminal ends are solid and free of corrosion too. Also there is a fuse for the starter relay that can get corrosion on it, clean that too. IF that does not help I would rig up a temp starter wire to by pass the ignition switch, if it acts the same way it is likely the solenoid.

BTW, if it is the solenoid and you can not get it work, sometimes tapping it will make it work a few more times. IF that is the case better change it soon, it will not last much longer.

Good luck.

[miyagi-san]

I think I've figured out that it's the starter. I checked and cleaned all connections and fuses and everything is go. I also did the ignition bypass test and got no action out of the starter.

Now, how do I figure out if it's a gear reduction or a regular starter? NAPA wants to know?

TIA.

[Petros]

I have never heard of a gear reduction starter in a Tercel. I have owned, or worked on, and inspected almost all the years Tercels and I have never seen one. They are larger and bulkier than the standard (and much more costly).

All of the years of 4wd Tercel starters are interchangeable as far as I know. So I would get the non-gear reduction version. I do not even see a reason for one, the standard starter is very reliable. I have the factory original in my car at 260k miles, and my previous one had the same thing.

[scotisha]

Did banging it with a hammer help it?

I had a similar problem in that my contacts were worn way to nothing, there was oil and sand inside it, and they solenoid was damaged. I replaced my starter and it works every time now. (or at least for a while... now the wire coming off the battery is corroded ). I am pretty sure it was a gear reduction starter from some place up here for $100 (It was exactly the same as the original starter. I just googled some gear reduction starters and they look like the one that I have/got).

The starter is pretty easy to remove and install. If I remember correctly there is a washer-type electrical connection and a plug-type electrical connection. Take those out, unbolt the 2 big bolts at the back, and swap them out. I would look at the FSM to just to be sure though... (page ST-11 or pdf page 238)

S

[terceldude]

It is most likely the fuel pump, as it is the component required to supply fuel to the carburetor... Check if yours is leaking???? Mine is leaking and mine was acting the same way.... I'm planning on getting a new pump soon, but not sure when....

[miyagi-san]

Tested the starter and figured out it was bad. Replaced it. (It was a gear reduction, surprisingly).

It started a few times just beautifully.

Now, it won't start again. Turn the key, you get a single click and nothing else.

Any ideas?

[sdoan]

Tested the starter and figured out it was bad. Replaced it. (It was a gear reduction, surprisingly).

It started a few times just beautifully.

Now, it won't start again. Turn the key, you get a single click and nothing else.

Any ideas?

Low Battery? Or poor connection of the heavy battery cable to the starter (make sure both battery terminals have been cleaned under the cables and that the ground attachment to the engine block below the oil filter is good). If you have a volt meter, battery voltage should be 12.65v fully charged and 12.0v is almost completely discharged. (12.45v is only 75% charge and car batteries don't usually drop below 90% of charge)
interesting reading here:
http://marine-electronics.net/techartic ... _faq.htm#1

[Petros]

check your engine ground wire, there should be one off the back of the head, one off the block and one off the trans. Sometimes these are not reinstalled when major repairs are done, or sometimes they get corroded or broken.

Also check the ground at the battery too, make sure it is solid and free of corrosion to both the block and the chassis.

[miyagi-san]

So I started going through all of the wires and connections again, cleaning all of them to a spotless shine, making sure that they were nice and tight....

And when I got to the main red line that connects to the starter, I figured out that the nut holding that wire on was completely gone! A 2.1 mile walk (uphill each way, through at least ten feet of snow) to Home Depot and 38 cents later, I've got it fixed and tightened nice and tight. And now Miyagi-San starts every time with no questions asked.

But seriously, am I a total tool or what.....

Thanks for your help everyone!

[ARCHINSTL]

It wasn't the fuel pump.................? ? ?

Tom M

[takza]

It wasn't the fuel pump.................? ? ?

Tom M

Lack of a ground? Or grounding?