car wont start? Options

[turbine]

Hi.
Well earlier this week as I was about to make a turn my car died and the problem is that it won't start up anymore. I went out and got a hynes booklet but the book was worthless. The only book they had was the 86-99 book.

It didn't even have the info on the check engine codes so any of you guys know what code means what and which plugs to plug in the diagnostic box then let me know.

When I try to start the car it doesn't crank... It sounds normal except there isn't a cranking effect to it. I'm thinking the starter but haven't checked it out yet because I have a busy scheldule except for weekends. If anyone's been through something like this let me know. Oh... I'm also thinking the timing belt but like I said haven't taken the time to open and check yet.

[macavely]

well i don't think its your starter cause if it was your car wouldn't have just turned off while it was on.. it could be your alternator...it could be a bad ground wire over even a dead battery.....or you could have just run out of gas...

[snadman]

Not getting gas maybe too. Such as clogged fuel pump, injectors what have you. Did someone do a dirty prank and crap in yo gas tank?

[GeEkBoY]

sounds like battery and/or altenator.

turn the headlights on. have someone watch them and try to turn over the engine. If the lights black out, the battery is dead. With what you described, the altenator may have died and hence killed the battery.

If the lights are still on when you try to turn over the engine, then there is something wrong with the ignition, most likely the starter. Most places will test a starter for you if you pull it off and bring it in. If it is the ignition and not the starter, then the signal is not reaching the solonoid on the strater and is in the electrical system.

Hope this helps

[95STHATCH]

I had the same problem,turn the key and hear a click but the car didn't start. I tightened all the grounds and I haven't had the problem since and thats been two weeks so far. I can't say for sure that a loose ground was the reason but it hasn't done it since. Hope it helps a little.

[turbine]

Hi. Well... I got the alternator and starter checked out at autozone and both worked and tested to oem spec. The timing belt is still intack... All fluids including gas is still close to full. When I start it I can smell gas so that probably means I'm flooding the engine like mad. Can anyone give me the info on which plugs to plug in the diagnostic box so I can see what codes the engine is throwing? Also my last resort is replacing the distributer but I don't know if it's the cap, the distributer itself, or the wires? Anyone have a suggestion? Thanks a lot.

[GeEkBoY]

from what you have described 'When I try to start the car it doesn't crank' It is not an ignition problem. It sounds likt the starter is not getting power and hence an electrical problem. The injectors don't fire either unless the enigine is turning, so is the engine turning or not? Like 95sthatch is suggesting, it could be a bad ground.

good luck

[macavely]

if your smelling gas it's not cause you flooding the engine.. FI engines can't flood...I thinking that you have a bad ground wire some were check all you cables and make sure they are all connected properly..

[turbine]

Hi again... Well a little update. Now the engine cranks when you try to start it but it just won't turn over. I haven't had time to stop by the auto store to pick up some new plugs and wires but that's where I'm at right now. I checked and all grounds are good. Any other suggestions are welcome. Thanks

[macavely]

did you check you battery ??

[GeEkBoY]

just a point for the future:

engine cranks = engine turns over

[turbine]

QUOTE (GeEkBoY @ Jul 28, 2003 - 5:51 AM)

just a point for the future: engine cranks = engine turns over

Thanks for the info and thanks for everone's advices. The timing belt was my problem after my dad got his friend to take a look at it. He's a machanic for toyota and will be fixing it on thursday. I can't wait to be cruising again.... cause I'm tired of the 4 runner I've been driving but ofcourse I love changing lanes in heavy traffic.