Starting Problems

**SactownHuskers** · 09-13-2009, 05:09 PM

When I go to start my T/A I have power to everything like radio, antenna, etc. However when I go to start the car I get nothing as far as turning over in the motor. I was able to roll start it and it ran fine. I'm thinking I have a bad clutch sensor or switch? This would be preventing the car from sensing that the clutch is engaged. Talked to two buddies and they thought the same. Anyone ever have this problem and what is the best route to replace/fix it?

**pajeff02** · 09-13-2009, 05:17 PM

Before you go chasing switches - try a simple battery test. Turn your headlights on and watch them as someone trys to start your car. If the lights go completely out when the key is turn it is likely that you have a bad battery or a poor cable connection. Other than that, could be the clutch switch or an ignition/starter relay under the hood.

**KMdef9** · 09-13-2009, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Before you go chasing switches - try a simple battery test. Turn your headlights on and watch them as someone trys to start your car. If the lights go completely out when the key is turn it is likely that you have a bad battery or a poor cable connection. Other than that, could be the clutch switch or an ignition/starter relay under the hood.

Most autoparts stores will test the batt for free too. My ignition cylinder went out on mine, but the security light came on when it happened.

Hopefully fuses have been checked.

If you have a friend there helping, have them listen to see if they here the starter working or not.

**SactownHuskers** · 09-13-2009, 07:02 PM

Thanks for the advice here guys. I'll check fuses, watch the lights and listen for starter.

**Fearls1** · 09-14-2009, 07:15 AM

I go threw like one clutch switch a year. They are about 8 bucks and are very cheap plastic. Just look under the clutch pedal. Good Luck!

**bluefields88** · 09-14-2009, 03:25 PM

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM!!!!!!!! My drive side window is also stuck open!!!

**bluefields88** · 09-14-2009, 03:28 PM

So, my engine doesn't even try to roll over. and my relays seem to be okay. Any ideas???

sorry for thread jacking, this fucking forum wont let me make a new thread right now, the page just turns white and nothing happens.

**headpecker** · 09-14-2009, 05:14 PM

Neutral safety switch?

**bluefields88** · 09-14-2009, 08:52 PM

I have an automatic, so I don't have one.

**SactownHuskers** · 09-14-2009, 09:38 PM

Fearls1, do you have the same "symptoms" as I do? I tried hookin up jumpers and starting it to see if that was the issue but like I said I appear to have good power just nothing when I go to turn it over.

**bluefields88** · 09-14-2009, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by '01BlackWS6

Fearls1, do you have the same "symptoms" as I do? I tried hookin up jumpers and starting it to see if that was the issue but like I said I appear to have good power just nothing when I go to turn it over.

That's what I have.

**SactownHuskers** · 09-15-2009, 06:32 AM

I'll check the clutch switch then. Hopefully that's what it is.

**KMdef9** · 09-15-2009, 07:28 AM

Check the ground for the starter too. If all the wires are in good condition for the starter, you could try to test the clutch switch w/a ohm meter.

**SactownHuskers** · 09-15-2009, 08:42 AM

Yeah, I wondered if I didn't have a loose starter wire. It's a bitch to get under there without the car jacked up. Is there anyway to tell if the clutch switch is bad without putting a new one in and seeing if it solves the problem?

**KMdef9** · 09-15-2009, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by '01BlackWS6

Yeah, I wondered if I didn't have a loose starter wire. It's a bitch to get under there without the car jacked up. Is there anyway to tell if the clutch switch is bad without putting a new one in and seeing if it solves the problem?

You could hook it up to an ohm meter. I'm not sure what the switch looks like but the idea is sound. You'll still have to remove the switch to make life alittle easier, and there should be 2 terminals on the switch. Hook the ohm meter up to each terminal and it should or shouldn't read a random number, depending on what kind of switch it is it may read nothing. This is the important part, with the meter still hooked up, depress the switch and the you should go x Ohms to 0 ohms (or opposite). If it does this, the switch still works. But if you depress the switch, with the meter hooked up properly, and the numbers (whatever they may be) don't change, the switch is bad.

The 2 wires that come off the switch may be able to be wired together for faster results (all depending on how the switch works). You could try to wire them, temporarly, together and try and start the car. If it starts, it's the switch. If it doesn't start, that doesn't necessarily mean the switch is bad. I wouldn't suggest leaving the wires together, buy a new switch.

If the switch has more than 2 terminals, it could be a single pole double throw or a double pole double throw or some variation of that switch. Meaning everything I just typed isn't accurate.

**68ramair** · 10-31-2009, 08:27 AM

I have had this problem for years. Power to everything, but no turn over. If I hold it in the start position, or just keep trying it will eventually start. Usually within 2 minutes, never more than 5 minutes.

I've had the car since 02. Had the problem since about 03

**Z28er** · 11-01-2009, 11:54 AM

I have this problem sometimes for 2 or 3 mins....5 or 6 starts....no juice just turn and nothing happens. I put the clutch in and out and still nothing until it finally starts. The dealer told me it could be THE SENSOR ON THE KEY!!

**Da Wookie** · 11-04-2009, 10:20 AM

This is the exact problem my car started having this morning, except mine is an A4. All accessories are working, fuel pump primes, relays are working...I'm probably gonna try bypassing my VATS next after I check the cables...

**Spaz** · 11-04-2009, 10:45 AM

just had this happen with my car and it was the clutch sensor... its right above your clutch pedle... i took mine out and used a piece of copper wire to complete the circuit then wrapped it up with some electrical tape... no i don't need to use my clutch at all to start my car...

**Spaz** · 11-04-2009, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by 68ramair

I have had this problem for years. Power to everything, but no turn over. If I hold it in the start position, or just keep trying it will eventually start. Usually within 2 minutes, never more than 5 minutes.

I've had the car since 02. Had the problem since about 03

did you test the resistance on your key fob???