96 850 Won't Start
 

Alright, got a 96 N/A 850 5-speed that won't start. It won't even turn over. Nothing. It runs fine for days, then... nothing.

Battery is new (and fine).
Alternator is new (and fine).
Starter is new within the year.

No check engine light, and no codes. Last time it happened, I simply pulled the plastic cover off the solenoid, and it started... but didn't touch any wires or anything as I did it. Checked voltage at all points, and everything is as it should be. Moved the wires around while turning it over, and it was totally fine (Once it started, it continued to start).

The car has always started without the need for the clutch pedal being pushed in, (I can't imagine this is the design?), but it doesn't turn over regardless of pedal position.

--- Any ideas? From what I know, it does start with a jump. There is adequate voltage for a start, and the draw while cranking is not excessive. The battery has been load tested, and has been proven to be okay. Nothing is drawing current while the car is off (and battery has a full charge, all of the time).

Thanks!

If the car is not cranking you probably have an ignition problem.

have you checked the ignition relay ?

Ignition Relay? In addition to the starter solenoid, or are you referring to the same thing? Where is it located?

I'll be honest, I was hoping someone else had the same problem, and would maybe see this and say 'oh! It's definitely this!'.

The car is my parents, I've moved out, so they no longer have their resident mechanic, and it's not as easy for me to just run over there every time they have a problem (hence my posting here). I'm a Master ASE Certified Tech, but have 0 time to actually look at it thoroughly. Looks like I may need to just bite the bullet and do a full diag.

Check your timing belt.

I had the same issue with my last no start. Almost everything has been replaced in the 3 years of ownership. For the first time I had to get a tow and it turned out to be the fuel pump, my mechanic said it was the original.

I hope your joking?

As said in the original post, it doesn't even crank. It's not that it cranks and never turns over (which could indicate fuel pump), it doesn't do ANYTHING. You turn the key to run, all the lights come on, as normal, you turn it to start, all lights that normally go off in 'start' go out, the car acts as if its trying to start, but nothing is actually happening.

Mine did the same.

Does anyone have electrical schematics for the 850 NA? Ignition/engine specifically.

Thanks!

You said if you jump it, it starts? I know this is simple, but have you cleaned the battery terminals and connections? Be great if it was that simple.

Just because the starter was replaced a year ago you cant discount it could still be the problem. You should be starting your quest at the starter. It could be the Starter solenoid and the extra voltage from a jump is enough to push it past its sticking point, remember...the motor will not engage until the solenoid is thrown to make the points contact within the starter motor.

You really should put a test light on the trigger line on the starter to see if its getting voltage to fire the solenoid. this will eliminate whether its the main voltage or the trigger/ignition switch. A starter is a simple component and should be easily figured out.

When you turn the key from on to start do the light go out and come back on when you let off?
If not it could be a ignition switch connection or a bad switch.

oh man, i experienced this SAME problem today! same year and model too (96 n/a 5 speed)!!! did you ever figure out what was wrong with your car?

Same thing with my 1994 850, stick shift. It's been at the garage now for 3 months and they still can't figure it out. Maybe hire an exocist? Good thing I have another (Hyundai) that works.

i ended up just buying a new battery and problem solved....even though the old one was still holding 12V and charging at 13V.....but! when i went to crank it, it'd drop all the way down to 3-4V at cranking

I still haven't figured out what was going on. It's still acting funny, and the battery has been replaced many times. There is no draw with the car off. Just haven't had time to really get into it.

That could be it; since the battery's time is about up. But what if it had a charger on it at the time of cranking or being jumped while cranking? Would that not take care of the old battery cause?

I have the same thing wrong with mine. Good battery and battery contacts. I turn mine to the starting position and all the lights come on. They don't dim at all. I'll let up on the switch and return it to the position where all the electronics still work and the lights are on. My record for start attempts is 10, set yesterday…

I don't know if you're referencing my problem, or someone else's comments about their problems, but my battery is brand new, as stated, and starts every single time when jumped. The battery is absolutely definitely not my problem.

Sounds like an ignition switch issue. All the lights should shut off when you go to the 'start' position. Make sure to check voltage at the switch, and at the terminal on the starter solenoid. -- This isn't the same problem I'm having. The switch is working perfectly, there is voltage everywhere there should be, and everything is acting like nothing is wrong, besides the fact its not turning over whatsoever unless jumped.

listen , and new batteries can be bad too , is it a diehard ? did you have a ALTERNTOR shop check your alternator ? and not Pep boys ? Did you check your starter relay ? or to see if you have a fusible link near your starter ? The ONLY reason i have one of these TIN CANS is because of the wife otherwise i would have sent it to the CRUSHSER along time ago and have bought her a GOOD car ! I also read what BOXPIN said ,was it a NEW starter or rebuilt ? This can also be the problem , Good call BOXPIN , check your warranty