2004 MCS 6-speed 151,000 kms
So I went to move my car out of the way this morning and it wouldn't start.

Here's a quick run down of what I've tested:

Relay is clicking when I try to start.

No sound at all from the starter. I know what it sounds like when the battery is low. The solenoid will still kick.

If I hold the key to start and let the clutch out the can still hear the relay clicking (clutch switch OK).

Battery is reading 12.2v in the trunk AND in the engine bay.

Tried jumping from my van and still no dice with 14.1v

Was able to bump start it and bring it in the garage. I've been trying to get the starter out this afternoon but I can't get the mounting bolts out, very little access.

Anything else I could test? I will keep trying to get the starter out so I can take it in and get it tested.

 

I'd suggest replace the battery. Good luck.

 

I don't think its going to be the battery, but I've been wrong before.
Usually if the battery doesn't have enough juice the solenoid will still click-click-click. This does nothing at all.

I got the starter out and the parts place couldn't test it. The machine was broken. They actually had a starter for me IN STOCK!. So I bought it. If needed I can return it. And it was only $194 CDN. Not bad at all.

In the process of re-installing right now. Will report back when I'm done and tested.

 

Bad news. The starter they gave me is the wrong one.

 

Got the right one now. Installed and still no joy.
Checking a couple of other things tonight then it goes to the stealership if I can't get it going.

 

If you haven't already, have the battery checked. Also could be a bad ground some where.

 

I read somewhere that theres two ground straps for the engine, is that correct.

I first is easy to see of the passenger side near the upper motor mount. Anyone know where the second one is?

Now my outside temp is read -14C after i reconnected the battery.

 

I know there is a ground strap on the pass side in the engine bay but i'm not sure where the neg battery cable grounds to. Some where on the frame in the rear i would think. Have you had your battery load tested yet most parts stores can do it for you

 

The battery has a 12" neg lead right to the body/frame in the trunk. I'll do a quick continuity test later. After that I'll pull the battery and take it in.

 

Got the battery tested and it passed but I bought a new one anyway. New battery is in and still no start.
When I turn the key to on the ambient temp on the BC display down counts from 0.0c to -14.5c in 0.5 increments and the goes up to about -5.5c. Its goes to cooler if its cooler outside and warmer if its warmer outside. But it about +22c right now, not -5.5c. Weird.

I'm going to try and bump start it again and check the voltage with the alternator running. Just for ***** and giggles.

 

I need to go back to basics FIRST. My dad didn't do up the ground strap tight enough when we did the AC clutch coil.

I bump started it and it ran fine. I tested the voltage while alternator was running 13.9 ish volts. Good for me. While the hood was up I was touching the hood and then starting checking connections, I touched the coil pack, ZAP! That woke me up!

I grabbed my meter and tested continuity from engine mount to body....nothing. Shut the car off, Took the ground cable off, it was very loose. Put it back on and away it started.

Keep it simple stupid.