Car starts sometimes, and sometimes not
 

could anyone help me diagnose this problem....

Get into the car...turn key, start position, but doesn't start...Its like accessory is still on...WTF :shrugs: ? A couple tries later, it starts, no problem...

Could this be a distributer problem? Haven't had a tune-up for a year and a bit...maybe its time

it just started doing this the past few days...

what do you hear /see when you move the key to the start position and the car does not start?

THe lights come on - gauge cluster, and can hear the priming of the fuel pump...

the car doesn't turn over or anything...just as if the key was turned to accessory

I'd say check the wiring for the starter as well as the starter....

thanks Jason...I'll let you know...:cheers:

starter relay, main relay.... could be ignition contacts too, but I really really doubt that one.

thanks bbarb...I'll check those out too..:)

Try the easiest of things first.... plugs & wires, then work from there. Maybe the battery isn't fully charged. I've had that problem where the accessory lights worked, but the car wouldn't start on the 1st crank.

Turned out the battery was frying, and I noticed it when I saw it smoking. It almost blew up. :shooter:

Good luck!

:kickass:

this was going on with my car as well. It was my battery. My battery was unable to hold any power unless the car was at least rev'ing at 4000rpm. My accessories would work, but the car would not start.

thanks 2 rice for u...I'll check all of this out...

If by chance its the battery...I would want to invest in a good battery, what do you recommend?

if you want a good battery, check out the yellow tops. I just got a new one yesterday. It was just like the stock one. I personally dont want to spend over $300 on a battery. Rather spend $110 and put the other $190 into other parts. Wouldn't you ?

I agree...isn't the yellow tops larger - resulting in re-location of the battery.

yes that too. And do go spending the money for it unless your 100% that is the problem. Check the cheap stuff first like Tman and Gatherer mentioned. But if you want to see if it your battery, just grab one out of your parents/buddies car.

Main Relay for Sure!

When the search function comes back up you can see i had the same problem last year, and in the same weather.

The main relay is located under your dash on the left side of the driverside.

The heat/cold causes the solder to contract and expand

so after sometime the solder expands and the contacts get weak.


SOLUTION

you need to get a new or used one, or if you're good with the soldering iron you need to re-solder the main relay.

:wink:

Go get your battery load tested first at canadian tire for free, even if your battery reads good with volt meter and u can also still power all your accessories, it can still fail a load test, causing u to not be able to start your car. U should here a clicking sound when trying to start it, which is an indication it "MIGHT" be the battery.

relays most likey..

could be ur ignition harness.
check that out.
my uncle had the same problem turned out the harness was getting to the point where it was worn out therefore makin it only work after 3 or 4 tries.

Could be your clutch switch too.. Car won't start if it thinks clutch pedal is not depressed.

yeah i seem to have a similar problem.

when my clutch is to the floor the car will not start, but when I lift my foot a little bit it will start.... ?????

if its the relay, the hot weather would have made it worse.

has it gotten worse lately?