1999 Cadillac STS My Cadillac Will Not Start

1999 CADILLAC STS
195,000 MILES • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CADDYSTS99
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  • 3 POSTS
I just purchased my first car as a fixer upper, its in good condition aside from the missing sound system and blown headgasket. Before I fix the head I would like the car to start! Previous owner just put in a new starter. Everything electrical works flawlessly aside from when I try to start the engine. I turn the key and the dash flashes and I hear a small pop or crack from the engine bay and that's it. It doesn't sound like its trying to start. I checked the IGN Minifuses on the Fuse Relays. I do not know how to check Mini Relays, Maxi Fuses and Maxi Breakers. Thanks for your help! :)
Nov 9, 2009 at 8:21 AM
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FACTORYJACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 4,159 POSTS
There is a connector behind the power steering pump that joins a harness that runs under the intake. This has a large purple wire in it, that is the starter signal wire. Jump power on the starter side of that connector and see if the starter/engine turns over. If it does, check the harness side of that connector with a test light when the key is turned to crank, it should light. If it does not turn over, check the ground cable from the alternator mounting to the frame for breakage/tightness. It could be possible that it is hydrolocked as well. If you can't get it to turn over jumping the starter signal wire, remove the plugs and try it.
Nov 10, 2009 at 1:54 PM
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CADDYSTS99
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[quote:de68b0e493="gstacey"]There is a connector behind the power steering pump that joins a harness that runs under the intake. This has a large purple wire in it, that is the starter signal wire. Jump power on the starter side of that connector and see if the starter/engine turns over. If it does, check the harness side of that connector with a test light when the key is turned to crank, it should light. If it does not turn over, check the ground cable from the alternator mounting to the frame for breakage/tightness. It could be possible that it is hydrolocked as well. If you can't get it to turn over jumping the starter signal wire, remove the plugs and try it.[/quote:de68b0e493]

Thanks a lot i'll let you know what happens!
Nov 11, 2009 at 6:49 AM
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CADDYSTS99
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Okay I am pretty sure I found where you are talking about behind the Power Steering Pump. I am not too sure how to do the rest of what you said though. Could you explain it a little more? This is a father son project and a big learning process for both of us and we have very little car knowledge. Thanks for understanding! :)
Nov 11, 2009 at 8:46 AM
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