Engine won't crank over sometimes

Tiny
BERNDAWG
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN SL1
  • 148 MILES
Won't start at times. No rhyme or reason to it. It will start 20 times in a row and then not on the next time or visa versa. When it does start it doesn't make any odd sounds. The clutch does not have to be depressed in order for it to start? When it does start it's fine. No other problems with it,
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 AT 3:01 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one if its not cranking over meaning the starter is not working to spin the engine over randomly then the most likely cause is the starter. The clutch interlock switches hardly ever fail. Its common for the starters to fail though. Do you have a test light or multimeter for testing?If so we can test the clutch interlock switch to see if the problem is inside or outside the car.
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Those starters arent that hard to change for the top bolt I use a 4 inch long 3/8" drive extension with a 13mm wobble socket. You can test it in the car when it wont start what usually fails on those starters is the which is like turning off the switch to the starter. When it doesnt to test the start you would see if there is power to the small purple wire on the starter. If you do bad starter. As far as testing the clutch interlock switch when it wont start make sure the car is in neutral and ebrake is on. Then there should be power going into the yellow wire into the clutch switch with the key in the start position. The yellow wire comes from the starter. You should also have power to the purple wire coming out of the switch with the key in the start position. Ethier way your going to have to change that switch if its broken because its a safety hazzard. The switches are cheap there under 30.
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
BERNDAWG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Saturntech . Well you say it's a safety hazard but I drove lots of cars without those switches. ;-) I'll replace that and it fixed it thank you.
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Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 AT 11:16 AM

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