'90 auto won't start

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Pappy - 26 Jan 2006 03:28 GMT

My buddys '90 auto suddenly won't start. The battery tested fine. When you
try to start it, there is a clicking noise under the dash, but the starter
doesn't make a sound.

I've considered these options, and he is verifying them tomorrow:
o The cutoff switch to make sure it's in "Park" is not broken or out of
adjustment
o The starter is not jammed and hung on the flywheel
o The cables to the starter a re clean and tight

Any more ideas...

TIA
Pappy

Reply to this Message

Gopish Too - 26 Jan 2006 12:56 GMT

> My buddys '90 auto suddenly won't start. The battery tested fine. When you
> try to start it, there is a clicking noise under the dash, but the starter
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> TIA
> Pappy

Are you sure the clicking is under the dash and not the starter solenoid
clicking? Clean the battery connections even if they "look" clean

Can you hear the fuel pump operating when you turn the key? If the fuel
pump does not operate and the click is not the solenoid it may be the
VATS system. I had a VATS problem took me several hours to prove where
the trouble was then $2.50 to fix it

Reply to this Message

PJ - 26 Jan 2006 15:08 GMT

>> My buddys '90 auto suddenly won't start. The battery tested fine. When
>> you try to start it, there is a clicking noise under the dash, but the
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> VATS system. I had a VATS problem took me several hours to prove where
> the trouble was then $2.50 to fix it

Like 'GT' I'd look at the VATS--I've twice had VATS problems with my '89.

Couple of other subtle things that are easy to check. (1) Ground strap
between frame and engine block. (2) Corrosion inside the insulation of
the positive cable to the starter solenoid (not visible). Check this
with a voltmeter or test light on the solenoid terminal when the
ignition key is turned -- if the voltage goes to near zero, you've
probably got a bad cable. (Haven't had this problem on my C4 but did
have it on a '79 Pontiac.) Also take a close look at the cable between
the battery and the positive distribution terminal (where all the
fusible links connect.)

Signature

…PJ
’89 HookerCar, ’02 E-blu 6-spd Coupe

Reply to this Message

lab~rat >:-) - 26 Jan 2006 20:44 GMT

>My buddys '90 auto suddenly won't start. The battery tested fine. When you
>try to start it, there is a clicking noise under the dash, but the starter
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> o The starter is not jammed and hung on the flywheel
> o The cables to the starter a re clean and tight

Solenoid?
--
lab~rat >:-)
Do you want polite or do you want sincere?

Reply to this Message