TeamCapri

Tech, Repairs, Upgrades => Capri N/A 89-94 => Topic started by: theAmazingKickstand on November 25, 2009, 03:31:00 AM

Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on November 25, 2009, 03:31:00 AM: Hey Guys,

I just a SUPER clean capri with 109k mls. It runs very well and shifts great.

Anyway, yesterday I wwnt to start it and the engine wouldn't turn over. All of the lights come on but it won't crank.

When I push the clutch in and turn the key I an hear a little click but it sounds quieter then a normal starter click.....

I tried jumping it from my other car and still nothing.

Whats a good step by step on pinpointing the problem? The car is now at my gym parking lot =)
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: GregZ on November 25, 2009, 07:45:00 AM: Sounds like you need a starter. The ticking comes from the selinoid that sits directly on top of the starter. You can try taping it with a big screw driver or a small hammer (the selinoid not the starter) and then try to crank it over.

Greg.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: bryanknight on November 25, 2009, 01:58:00 PM: yeah thats a good start and check the wires to make sure they have good contact.. its sounds like the start tho not really much else it could be if you here a clickin sounds if it was not clicking then there could be lots of problems going on...
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: Gostlrs on November 25, 2009, 02:30:00 PM: gonna sound weird..but it happened to almost every car i have in the yard now..

remove the battery cables and clean them really good. use a file and ruff up the battery terminals and the inside of the cables.

my capri did same thing..would not jump and cleaned that and never an issue again..if the terminals build up enough film on them it will reduce the current and not allow it to have enough to start...
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on November 26, 2009, 03:00:00 AM: Thanks Guys,

Are we sure that the cliking is the solenoid and not some sort of clutch saftey switch? I ask because it seems quieter to me than other starters I've heard.

Also, should I look for any fuses? Is there an easy way to pinpoint the problem with a test light or multimeter?

Thanks Again.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on November 26, 2009, 08:04:00 AM: Well it started but I don't know how I fixed the problem.

I both wiggled all of the connections to the starter and hit it with a hammer a few times.

I also pulled out, inspetcted and re-inserted all of the fuses by the clutch pedal and the 5 or so big ones under the hood.

Im jsut happy its not a problem in the steering column wiring.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: bryanknight on November 26, 2009, 04:13:00 PM: yeah just sounds like a bad contact
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: Gostlrs on November 26, 2009, 04:31:00 PM: did you clean up the battery cables?
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on December 09, 2009, 01:29:00 PM: So the problem's back. But at least now the car's in the garage and not in a gym parking lot.

I cleaned all of the contacts, put in a different battery and it worked for a bit. Now it just cliks again.

Both of the batteries are good. How do I chek if its a problem with the starter? Any otehr suggestions? I have a multi meter.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: Rocketman on December 09, 2009, 02:26:00 PM: Sounds like you have a dead spot in the starter. Try the hammer trick again, if it works then your starter would be the suspect part.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: Gostlrs on December 09, 2009, 02:43:00 PM: agree
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on December 09, 2009, 05:06:00 PM: Hit it with the hammer and still nothing.

Ill take out the starter and have Kragen check it.

Any suggestions on taking it out? all of the intake stuff is right on top of it. Do you unbolt it from under the hood or under neath the car? Anyone have a rough step by step?
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: Phillip on December 10, 2009, 02:38:00 AM: I have the same problem I beleive the switch on the clutch pedal is to blame but I haven't had the time to replace it. With the key in the start position cycle the clutch in and out a few times. This is what I do and eventually it energizes the si=olinoid and starts. Mine isn't the starter I replaced the whole engine and trans in March and the problem stayed with the car. I have replaced the ignition switch which I thought was to blame and it was a no go.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on December 10, 2009, 04:43:00 AM: I havnt had luck with the clutch trick.
Where is the starter relay located? How do I test it?

Thanks.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on December 10, 2009, 12:59:00 PM: Ok, so I unbolted and disonnected the starter.

It wiggles but I can't get it to come out. It seems as though its stuk somewhow on the flywheel side. Any tips?

I unbolted 3 bolts. Is there anything else?
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on December 11, 2009, 12:50:00 PM: Well Im tlaking to myself at this point but good news.

Captains log: Day 5

Put in a new starter from Kragen for $69. SPins like a champ. Much faster than the old one did, when it actually spun.

Thanks all.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: Shagdasty on December 11, 2009, 08:10:00 PM: Good going, one thing about Capris is you will get a mechanical education or go broke while someone else does. Are you aware of the service manual sight... http://www.techcapri.com/Repair/Capri_Service_Manual.htm (http://www.techcapri.com/Repair/Capri_Service_Manual.htm) Try it it sure help to shed a little light... Scott...

P.S. do you still have the TONNEAU COVER Let me know I am interested. Send me a PM.
Title: 91 Capri won't crank
Post by: theAmazingKickstand on December 12, 2009, 07:00:00 PM: I still have the cover. I sent you a pm and will get pics up as soon as i get my digicam back. Cell phone pics arn't cuttin it.