"Tries to start" but won't turn over? If the starter won't spin the engine, (turn over), do you hear one kind of loud clunk from the starter each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank"? If so, do that repeatedly. The engine will crank eventually. That is caused by worn solenoid contacts inside the starter motor. They can be replaced for 20 bucks but most people just replace the entire starter.
If you do not hear that loud clunk, put your finger on the starter relay in the under-hood fuse box. Feel if it clicks when a helper turns the ignition switch to "crank". If it does not, suspect the neutral safety switch is loose or unplugged. It's in the transmission near the left front.
If the engine is spinning, (turning over / cranking), but won't start or run, that is an entirely different problem with a different method of diagnosis.
Wednesday, July 27th, 2011 AT 10:40 PM
