Crank sensor?

[waffles]

Here the scoop ya'll: Went to pick up a ladyfriend got in the car, turned the key...nothing, not even cranking. So I tried it about 10 more times and every time nothing, no cranking. I know the battery had power due to the fact that the lights came on and I had drove it there just fine. I was lucky and her dad hooked a tow strap to the subframe and we pull started it (I have an MTX) and drove it home just fine. I am a bit past my 60k and I live in a cold climate so I'm thinking that my crank sensor just gave out? What else could it be? Thanks guys! :thankyou:

 

[zak]

Starter, starter wiring. If it was the crank sensor it wouldn't run even with push starting.

 

[Irish Pride]

Check your battery cable. Sounds like its corroded inside the rubber. I've had my cable so corroded that it would still power the lights and accessories but it didnt have the juice to start. Thats what it sounds like.

If it were the CPS it would still try to start but as Zak mentioned it would not run.

 

[waffles]

Sounds good guys, I'll have a look. It started right up today so thats sketchy.

 

[kevinspann]

Was it warmer out today? Check the battery connections well...

 

[SHOdded]

Battery terminals could definitely be a problem. On another car (non-SHO), I would have this problem, and as soon as I put new terminals on the cables, problem solved! A hint would be corrosion buildup on the terminals.

 

[93markVIII]

starter, starter power wires, corrosion, dying battery, dying alt, etc.

what voltage is the alternator putting out at idle?

definitely not crank sensor.

 

[trainguy1989]

Also check to see if you have an older starter with a spade connector. It had a tendency to loosen up or corrode. That's why aftermarket starters come with a ring terminal and a pigtail.

 

[waffles]

alright gents I've had some time to look at it. I went outside started it right up, puller er in the garage and checked the output at idle (14ish volts). then shut it off and checked the contol side, no issues. Did a few starts and it cranked just fine. So I put the car down, cranked it...nothing (The F***?) all I hear is a click, the bat voltage is just under 12 and doesn't drop at the bat when I turn the key and hear the click. What would you guys suggest? I'm thinking it's the battery because I've cleaned the terminals and the cables look fine as far as I can tell although I don't know what corroded cables look like. Any help is appreciated!

It should also be noted that the starter is only 6 months old and has been cranking like a champ ever scince I put it in.

 

[sperold]

If any of your 2 battery cables have ends that clamp onto the copper wire, that clamp joint goes bad a lot. Undo the clamp and shine it up with a wire brush.

 

[waffles]

I just replaced those not too long ago because I would sometimes have to jiggle em to get the car started, I think when I get some time I'll pull the cables out and shine those up too. I'm also tempted to pull the bat and get it load tested. I hydroed it and a few cells scored low but the rest looked prime.

 

[Irish Pride]

If you've had problems with your terminals being corroded in the past then chances are you cable is corroded. Disconnect the positive terminal and remove it from the cable then inspect the cable. If you can see gritty corrosion in between all the copper wires then you found the problem. Peel back the rubber coating with a razor or knife if you need to. If you see corrosion then you need to replace the cable.

 

[waffles]

alright guys, I cleaned the cable ends and checked the ones at the starter. I also ran 12 volts to the signal and nothing happened. So I pulled that bish out again and ran jumpers from my bat (12.4ish volts) to the positive terminal, and the case, then ran 12 volts to the signal. Nothing happened, so I'm gonna bring it back to orileys for a bench test and if it is indeed the starter I have a lifetime replacement plan with it so that would be nice.

 

[waffles]

ladies and gentlemen it was the starter!