1989 Plymouth Sundance Car does not turn over or start

Tiny
RYAN RYAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,000 MILES
A few weeks ago my lovely car had trouble turning over and starting. It seemed like the engine wasn't getting the gas it needed. At first it tried to start and failed, then it didn't turn over at all. 5 hours later I go back to the car and with a little thumping the car started on the first try then it started up pretty well each time after for about 2 weeks. Now same problem except it won't turn over after letting it sit for 5 hours. Is the started just completely bad?

I just bought a new starter, now my problem is finding where the starter is! Where is the starter on my car? Do I need to jack up the car and get under it to replace? From looking under the hood I can not find it!
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 AT 1:59 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Is it cranking over and will not start or just won't crank at all/nothing??

If it cranking over and will not start-do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem.

Get helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

Won't crank at all/nothing

Could be the starter, stater relay, park and neutral position switch and ignition switch.

Do this disconnect the yellow wire at the starter relay have helper hold key at start position do you have power?


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_starter_25.jpg

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Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 5:44 AM
Tiny
RYAN RYAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My real problem is locating the starter. I can not find it!

What I could really use is a diagram of whats under the hood. I can't find pictures or descriptions anywhere. I think it is right by the battery, but it seems a bit small. I am not sure.

I went to autozone and bought a new starter but what they gave me doesn't look like anything I can see. Do I need to jack the car and get under it to get at the starter?

When I turn the key it makes a bit of a pop noise. Almost like one of those annoying kids clicker toys. Doesn't do anything else. I am pretty sure I just need to replace to 20 year old start, but where the hell is it!
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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Tp locate the starter Follow the battery positive cable to the starter relay and then to the starter


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_starter1_16.jpg



Starter


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_starter_26.jpg

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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
RYAN RYAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
So I am pretty sure I found the starter but I can't remove it. I unscrewed bolts but there is something connected around the end of the starter that seems to be keeping it in place. It's around the end and held onto the starter with a metal fastening ring and looks to go to the front left wheel?

They want 3 times the labor and nearly 3 times the part cost to fix it fore at local mechanics. That's ridiculous! I'll donate a bit more if I can get it done myself.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2009 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
RYAN RYAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Here are some picutres to verify I am dealing with the starter.

It is on the right side of the engine?

At first I thought it was this little thing on the left side of the hood but it must be something else?


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/350121_abvabovestr_1.jpg



http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/350121_abovestr_1.jpg



http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/350121_abovestr2_1.jpg



http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/350121_undrstr_1.jpg



At first I thought it was this little thing on the left side of the hood but it must be something else? All the way on the left has two wires connected to two bolts, seems more like the description of the starter.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/350121_leftside_1.jpg



http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/350121_zoomleft_1.jpg

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Sunday, July 5th, 2009 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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I don't see the starter the only thing I see is the AC compressor and below it is the alternator pic 5/6.

Follow the battery positive post cable either it will take you to a starter relay and from there it will go straight to the starter. Normally the starter is in between the engine and transmission.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2009 AT 5:20 PM

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