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95 lumina won't start


StewartFan20
05-06-2009, 09:32 PM
ok, 95 lumina with 3.1. Wife went to drive car for the first time this afternoon (last driven yesterday) and when I heard her start it up it sounded weak but started up and she went on to work. Told her I would check it over tomorrow. Four hours later, she went to start it up to come home and it would not start. Here is what I've done so far...

1 - Checked voltage at battery and starter - Both ok.

2 - Checked fuses inside car and under hood - All ok.

3 - Checked for corrosion at battery connections - All clean.

4 - Tried to jump it off with my truck just to say I did it - No change

5 - All interior and exterior lights are working full strength, and all I can hear when she turns the key forward is a VERY FAINT click sound under the hood like the solenoid is pulling in but very softly. (lights never dim at all during this process either and voltage remains constant)

Things in my mind to try tomorrow (please add to this list if there is something here I'm not thinking of)

6 - Check for voltage at starter when key is turned

7 - Check brake switch (not hearing the audible clicking sound anymore) What is the proper way to check this??)

8 - Clean all connections at starter (car has small oil leak and it is fairly dirty)

inafogg
05-07-2009, 12:22 AM
load test the battery/grounds it still sounds like it maybe a problem

StewartFan20
05-08-2009, 12:40 PM
Ok, I went back to look at it more yesterday evening and just for kicks I turned the key and it cranked up but very weak. I checked the voltage while it was running and had 13.8v so the alternator is working. I drove it for a while and let it charge back up and it started perfect every time. I went back out this morning and it's back to not turning over again. Im going to take the battery to be tested sometime today but I also have a couple questions. IF a hot wire is going to ground somewhere on it what is the best way to troubleshoot it, and I also remember reading on a forum a long time ago about that scenario happening and causing problems with either the radiator or heater core or something. The reason I ask is because we have very recently out of the blue started noticing slightly higher temps on the gauge than we normally see. May be just a coincidence, but thought I'd ask.

inafogg
05-08-2009, 04:21 PM
a hot to ground will either blow a fuse or start burning wires so i dought it.if battery checks out & connections are good you may have drain on system.if you have a test light or v/meter you can connect it in series at battery neg - post(+ to neg post & - to neg battery cable.make sure everything is turned off doors etc are shut.Good Luck

StewartFan20
05-08-2009, 10:48 PM
Turned out to be a faulty solenoid on the starter. Replaced the solenoid and starter this afternoon and all is well with that, now on to flushing the radiator and installing new coolant and see if I can stop that running warmer than normal deal that just started.

inafogg
05-09-2009, 03:32 PM
good to hear!!watch the coolant type maybe dex maybe not.start new post if you need help.Good Luck

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