I have a 91 SC with 58k that I bought recently, and today when I stopped at the pharmacy to get something, the thing wouldn't turn over when I came back out. I just had the battery replaced a week or so ago, as it seemed a little weak and also failed a load test.
The lights and all other electrics still work, and I can hear the solenoid on the fender clicking when I try to turn it over. Checked the solenoid output with a meter and am getting 12v+ when attempting to start (on the top large lug). The lights don't dim at all so I'm sure the starter is not taking any major current. I also monitored battery voltage when the solenoid was "clicking" in the start position, and it maintains 12v+ even then.
Tried shifting out of Park to Neutral and back in case the safety switch was hung up, but also assume the solenoid wouldn't even attempt to engage the starter if the switch was bad or not made up.
The cars sitting in the mini-mall lot right now, and I'm planning on trying the old "jump the solenoid with the plier handles" trick to determine if the solenoid or the starter are at fault.
Just thought someone on the board could confirm that there is nothing other than the starter or solenoid and associated wiring that I need to consider. I assume from all I've read here, and in the manuals, that the electronic controls and sensors really effect starting once after you've acheived cranking status.
I'm hoping to avoid crawling under the car at the lot it's in since it's raining, and if jumping the solenoid doesn't work I'll just have it towed to my shop so I can remedy this situation and get around to the other work I've been putting off (Leaking intake gaskets, plugs, wires, etc.)
Any help would be appreciated.
WRGoudy
The lights and all other electrics still work, and I can hear the solenoid on the fender clicking when I try to turn it over. Checked the solenoid output with a meter and am getting 12v+ when attempting to start (on the top large lug). The lights don't dim at all so I'm sure the starter is not taking any major current. I also monitored battery voltage when the solenoid was "clicking" in the start position, and it maintains 12v+ even then.
Tried shifting out of Park to Neutral and back in case the safety switch was hung up, but also assume the solenoid wouldn't even attempt to engage the starter if the switch was bad or not made up.
The cars sitting in the mini-mall lot right now, and I'm planning on trying the old "jump the solenoid with the plier handles" trick to determine if the solenoid or the starter are at fault.
Just thought someone on the board could confirm that there is nothing other than the starter or solenoid and associated wiring that I need to consider. I assume from all I've read here, and in the manuals, that the electronic controls and sensors really effect starting once after you've acheived cranking status.
I'm hoping to avoid crawling under the car at the lot it's in since it's raining, and if jumping the solenoid doesn't work I'll just have it towed to my shop so I can remedy this situation and get around to the other work I've been putting off (Leaking intake gaskets, plugs, wires, etc.)
Any help would be appreciated.
WRGoudy