car will not crank

[advocate]

Just started yesterday... I turn the key to start it and the starter will not turn, I get nothing.

Battery shows +12V, lights/heater/stereo work fine. I did notice however that the radio lost all of its stations indicating that power was lost at one time...

The other thing is it did this to me after going out to get supper, got in the car and nothing... Waited a little, tried again and it fired right up... Drove just fine. Had a few more stops - worked fine. Get home and park it for an hour, get in and no crank at all... hasn't started since.

Now 2 days ago I hit a puddle (more like a lake) that was very unexpected. I'd say about 1.5 - 2 feet deep and 20+ feet long. My only guess is that this shorted something.

When I get a chance I am going to see if I can find the external starter solenoid (if gen 2's use them) and try to start it with a screw driver across the terminals.

Is there anything else this could be? I'm going to have the car towed later tonight if I can't get it going.

TIA

 

[Dr. Tweak]

You could try checking your starter and see if there are any loose connections...

<small>[ March 14, 2004, 10:14 AM: Message edited by: JDLangevin ]</small>

 

[musiccitysho]

Do you have any accesory power when this happens like the door chime or interior lights? If not try loosening the positive battery terminal and with the door open and the key in and "on" wiggle it and see if the door chime begins to work. Mine had a bad connection there and once I found the "sweet spot" I tightened it down and problem solved. Where the cable meets the terminal seems to be a common place for a bad connection to surface. I think its because of all the heat generated from the radiator and the motor in that confined area. Also check for corrosion and clean with sandpaper if necessary.

<small>[ March 14, 2004, 03:26 PM: Message edited by: musiccitysho ]</small>

 

[advocate]

Has power during this time, I get the chimes, radio, lights, EATC even. No corrosion, posts look good.

Should have a chance to get underneath and take a peak within an hour or so.. If I dont see any damaged wires it will be towed frown

 

[advocate]

Well, I am going to tow it to my usual shop. Connections seem good, fuses look good. Starter is soaked in oil as expected from the oil filter right above it. I just don't have the time right now to keep diagnosing.

I will update this post with the results.

 

[advocate]

UPDATE: it was the starter. having it replaced now.