car wont start dont know if it is the starter or bad wiring, or a bad ignition?
I have been restoring this 68 impala for a good year now and i cant seem to figure out if this is a wiring issue or a bad starter? i purchased a new battery, and installed it , i went to go start the car i turned the key and the lights came on but as soon as i go to push the ignition button it makes a single click noise and turns off all my power to my car. What do i do?
My car has an automatic transmission. Is it a bad starter relay?
My car has an automatic transmission. Is it a bad starter relay?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. If you are working on an older OEM Impala, it’s more likely than not that the wiring is your problem. In some cases, when you try to start the vehicle and you get a single "click", it’s caused by the battery not having enough cranking amps. However, it can also be caused by a faulty ground, a bad starter or ignition relay or the starter itself. If you’re restoring the vehicle, it’s probably a good idea to by a new wiring kit and start from scratch, by also replacing the starter and ignition relay as well. Also, if you’ve recently painted the interior, check the ground connection; as some times fresh paint will cause a bad contact.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Impala won`t start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
We`ll help you get this sorted out ASAP! The root of the problem is likely a dead battery. The rapid clicking noise you`re hearing is likely the last of the battery`s charge. Notice if your car lights are dim when you try to turn the ignition—dim lights will be another indicator that the problem is in the battery.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Impala key won`t turn are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
The engine does not start
An engine that refuses to start can be another sign of a bad ignition switch. The ignition switch sends power to the the starter motor, engine controls, and ignition controls. These systems may not receive the power they need to start up if the ignition switch isn`t working properly.
It could be a minor glitch in the battery terminals, a dead battery, a defective ignition switch and so on. Car starting problems are mainly related to the battery, car self-start system or fuel lines. Below are some of the common reasons why your car is not starting upon switching on the ignition.
Usually a rapid clicking noise is a good indication that your starter motor isn`t getting enough electrical current to engage – basically your solenoid is trying to engage but can`t make the connection.
A clicking sound when you start your car could suggest a problem with your car`s electrical system. A rapid clicking sound might hint at a battery- or alternator-related issue. A single loud click might mean problems with your starter motor.
Car engines have rotating and reciprocating components. Worn-out accessories and bad bearings would make a whining or whirring sound. A problem with one of the reciprocating components, such as pistons, valves, rods, or pushrods, usually makes clunking, clicking, or ticking noise.
When the key is stuck in the ignition cylinder, it can be caused by debris inside the cylinder, the key being slightly twisted or the cylinder being damaged itself. It is also possible that a different safety system, such as the transmission or brake switch is stuck, which is locking the ignition.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
car wont start dont know if it is the starter or bad wiring, or a bad ignition?
ANSWER : Hi there. If you are working on an older OEM Impala, it’s more likely than not that the wiring is your problem. In some cases, when you try to start the vehicle and you get a single "click", it’s caused by the battery not having enough cranking amps. However, it can also be caused by a faulty ground, a bad starter or ignition relay or the starter itself. If you’re restoring the vehicle, it’s probably a good idea to by a new wiring kit and start from scratch, by also replacing the starter and ignition relay as well. Also, if you’ve recently painted the interior, check the ground connection; as some times fresh paint will cause a bad contact.
Car will not crank after putting in a new starter. Forced starter to start up and engine starts but stalls out. Will the security continue to cut off fuel while force starting?
ANSWER : Hi there. Forcing the starter to engage to make the engine run without the ignition engaging the starter will continue to keep the security on. This is a safety feature that keeps people from stealing your vehicle. I recommend replacing the ignition switch and checking the wires to make sure that they are all tight and clean. If you need further assistance with diagnosing your ignition problem, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Connect battery up to car, car then tries to start by its self without key in ignition. What can be problem
ANSWER : Hello, thanks for writing in about your Oldsmobile Aurora. A bad starter solenoid could make the starter run, but would not activate the ignition switch, so the engine could crank but not run on its own. I would recommend testing and/or replacing the starter solenoid. If you need assistance with fixing this issue, contact a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the starting issue firsthand and help you make the necessary repairs.
Car kind of starts but remove the key and it goes ape s**t
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The ignition can absolutely do some strange things. It is responsible for the power supply being sent to the starter, relays, and all of the electronics. If the ignition cylinder is holding the power supply to the starter it will continue to crank. When the engine finally starts the the key turns back on click to the "on" position, the power is cut to the starter. While it is unlikely that the relay/ fuse or the starter will cause the issue, if the ignition cylinder is replaced and the issue persists, you can check there next. Again, they do not supply the power to the starter but are more of safety devices to protect the system. For more diagnostic help, or to replace the ignition cylinder, contact our service department.
The starter off and on wont turn over when trying to crank the car.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Often when starters are installed they come with a shim. These shims need to be installed to help hold the starter at the proper angle. If the angle is off the gears may not mesh correctly putting excess pressure on it that the starter cannot compete with. If the starter did not come with a shim, or you do not have it anymore, you can likely purchase or fabricate one relatively easily. If this does not solve the issue, make sure there are no wires that are being pinched or shorted out when the full weight of the car is being supported. For more help diagnosing the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment. And thank you for you service to our country.
Car will crank but no start… Fuel pump not coming on. New pump, relay, etc. Will start when hot wire runs from pump wires to bat
ANSWER : There are a couple of approaches to take here – either start from the battery and work "towards" the fuel pump, fuse box, ignition switch, fuel pump relay, and wiring connections in between. Or, as you have done, start at the pump with 12v, and move backwards towards the battery. This will require a GM service manual, or wiring diagram at least, with connection locations as well.
I would recommend having a certified technician from YourMechanic diagnose this starting issue, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. YourMechanic.com can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for this repair.
Fuel pump engages. Batery good, alternator good volts, jump start helps when wont start. Temp does not matter. Intermittent?
ANSWER : Hello. Thank you for writing in. There are several reasons your vehicle may only start when jump starting. The first and most common is a build up of resistance that is causing you to need a boost of voltage to get the engine started. This may be due to poor battery cables, a bad ground connection, a poor starter solenoid, and a couple of other issues. The first thing you want to do is perform a visual inspection of the starting system. Make sure there is no corrosion build up in the battery cables. You can also check the resistance across these wires and make sure you have a solid connection between components. You then want to make sure the starter solenoid is doing its job. It is responsible for taking the small amount of electricity sent by the ignition and turning it into a huge electrical charge that is strong enough to push over the engine with the help of some gear ratios in its favor. Do some more testing, and stick to the basics before assuming its something seriously complicated.
