'93 ATX no start

[EricW]

So I've been searching, along with past experiences I'm thinking my starter just took a dump.

Started the car this morning to move it (I like listening to music while I'm doing chores) not a problem started just fine as it has been doing since I picked it up three weeks ago. It sat for about an hour and a half while I was getting my stuff done, got in it to head home and nothing. I turn the key and I can hear the fuel pump cycling, the battery is less than three months old; also, I get the battery light and the check oil light (guess I need to start remembering which lights illuminate when I start it), all interior still works, seats, windows, stereo, HVAC. I hooked it up to another rig, let it sit for about ten minutes and still the same...

I've had starters quit before but never like this, usually gives signs like lagging or slow turning but never just up and quit... there's no clicking from the solenoid (that just crossed through my head BTW). Another thing, do these cars have oil level sensors that keep the car from starting when the level gets too low?

Any tips or ideas that I'm not thinking of???


Thanks guys...

[EricW]

Okay, so starter checks out.

Putting it back in I came across a second connector that is in the same loom as the spade connector to the solenoid. What does that connect to as I can't seen any place it should go.

Thanks.

[joesho_gb]

If the starter checks ok, could be something in the ignition system
Mine did this out of the blue, the neutral safety switch was loose.
Unless I'm mistaken, when you turn the key from Start to Run, the Lamp out, battery, oil, and CEL should all go solid.

A few things to check are the neutral safety switch, the ignition fuse and the actual ignition tumbler (search the forums for that).
The ignition fuse is located in the engine compartment between the drivers side firewall and strut mount tower.

The neutral safety switch is located on the top drivers side of the trans. With the hood up, look at the drivers side strut mount, then go straight in about 6 inches or so.. You'll see the shift cable on top of the trans, and a black connector facing towards the strut mount.
You can also disconnect that harness and clean the pins with electrical contact cleaner (any auto parts store).

Best of luck

[EricW]

Originally Posted by joesho_gb

If the starter checks ok, could be something in the ignition system
Mine did this out of the blue, the neutral safety switch was loose.
Unless I'm mistaken, when you turn the key from Start to Run, the Lamp out, battery, oil, and CEL should all go solid.

Yup, checked and replaced the NSS, and yes the lights all light up along with a quick cycle of the fuel pump...

A few things to check are the neutral safety switch, the ignition fuse and the actual ignition tumbler (search the forums for that).
The ignition fuse is located in the engine compartment between the drivers side firewall and strut mount tower.

NSS already ruled out as stated above, I'll have to double check the under hood fuses... I'll look into the tumbler...


Thanks for the ideas...


Also, you wouldn't happen to know what the second wire in the loom with the trigger wire for the solenoid is... It's about 3/8s-7/16s OD with about I'd say an 1/8" connector in it... The wire out of the loom is only about 6" long and I can't seem to locate where it should go..