Finally had time to get back to this project.

Recap: Bad starter - replaced - would not start still. Someone here suggested tracing all the connections checking for power and ground.

What I found: Both auxiliary positive cables from battery had suspect connectors - replaced both connectors. still no start. Took every negative cable apart an cleaned each contact point with my Dremel and found one suspect connector - replaced - and started like a charm and never ran better.

whats left:

Still have check engine light - I'll take it to the shop to have the codes checked.

I now have a flashing arrow on the dash - anyone know what this means?

Radio does not work - display shows the word "code" - anyone know about this?

thanks

 

What exactly was the problem at that connector? Just curious.


Might be as simple as the transmission is in "winter" mode. If not, more research required.


Because you disconnected the battery, the radio now wants you to punch in the four digit radio code before it will work. Check the glovebox for a card with this number or perhaps someone wrote it into the owner's manual at the radio pages. If you can't find the code you can get it from the dealer.

 

thanks for the insight. The connector at the positive battery post looked like someone twisted and removed it too many times, so I decided to change it. the negative to the engine block was held only by a couple threads after rusting out. I then decided to go to each bolt connection, remove it and wire brush it down with my dremel. those points just had a lot of rust scale/corrosion build up. Probably did not need to do all that, just wanted to avoid problems in the middle of winter, plus previous owner had just installed a new battery. So I thought a little extra TLC would save me some problems down the road.

 

So, how is it now?

 

The car works perfectly now. The codes/flashing arrow cleared themselves. I now have to change out a door lock/latch mechanism and the car will be all set for winter.

 

Flashing arrow in dash is the car being put in "limp home mode", a safety for transmission problem most of the time. Properly check the fluid level and change the fluid if it hasn't been done in the past 25,000 miles.

 

Good to hear!