Need Help Asap!!

**dreVanHalen** · 11-16-2008 11:42 PM

so just drove down to 711 and when I came out to go go home, the car wouldn't start. tried to jump start to no avail. one of my friends ended up showing up at 711 and we were able to push start it no problem. what could this problem be? could it be as simple as needing a new battery? or do you think I need a new starter.

any help would be appreciated.

**akielb** · 11-17-2008 07:52 AM

Need more info:

It was cranking over but wouldn't start?
was it just cranking and firing?
I hit the key and nothing, so that's why the jump?
could hear starter going but engine wasn't cranking?
It's fine now....or still doesn't start

Go get your battery and alternator tested at autozone or similar place

**Ghostrider** · 11-17-2008 08:40 AM

How I know that feeling, except mine didn't even turn over. Starter has crapped out. Get it rebuilt.

**Seerlah** · 11-17-2008 08:50 AM

If your cluster has a battery meter, place the key in the starting position and see what the gauge reads. If it says ~12.5v, then your battery is just fine. When engine is running, the car runs off the alternator and that gives off ~14.5v. The gauge on the cluster should tell you that.

-To test if your alternator is bad (which I highly doubt), is to turn on many electronics on your vehicle while engine is running (heat, radio turned up, headlights, etc), go for a spin, and see if the voltage drops.

-To test the battery, simply place key in starting position and look at the gauge. Or use a simple volt meter to your battery.

But I doubt your issue has to do with the battery or alternator.

**bob12312357** · 11-17-2008 10:26 AM

Or pull a battery cable off with the engine running, it stalls its the alternator, it runs its the battery.

**maxspeed** · 11-17-2008 10:56 AM

clutch switch maybe?

**dreVanHalen** · 11-17-2008 12:14 PM

battery is reading over 12 volts. getting a clicking noise when trying to start but that is it. sometimes the click isnt even there. cant find the starter to try to hit, thinking maybe it stopped on a flat spot? although unlikely because we have tried starting it in several different spots.

**Seerlah** · 11-17-2008 12:25 PM

Starter relay? Or actual starter?

**Toyotatech** · 11-17-2008 12:33 PM

It's the starter.

**dreVanHalen** · 11-17-2008 01:37 PM

anyone have a right up on how to get to the starter?

**dreVanHalen** · 11-17-2008 01:49 PM

or starter relay?

**Seerlah** · 11-17-2008 02:03 PM

I would go by the tech's advice and replace the starter. Autohausaz has the best prices I have come across thus far, unless you can find one on ebay (not an ebay knock off). As for replacing, I have never replaced one, so I do not know. But here is a link to the service manual. Procedure will be in there somewhere.

And if you decide to replace the relay, the procedure should also be in there somewhere. They usually have procedures to test the relays before even having to replace it. So, if the relay is bad then replace it. If not, then replace the starter.

**CreamAudi** · 11-17-2008 06:15 PM

it could be that the magnetic brushes in ur starter are contradicting them selves and intead of changing the charge they are attracting them if thats the case u might as well just get a new starter>

**dreVanHalen** · 11-17-2008 10:30 PM

took it to a shop today because i just dont have time to try to figure it out myself. mechanic is thinking it could be the ignition switch. said starters are more rare to see going on our cars than ignition switch. not to say it is not possible. hopefully will have the car back tomorrow