Help! Will not start -Electrical

jerry w · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 02:25 PM

A little help in tracing down my problem.

Cobra sat for two weeks in the garage while I was out of town. No problems starting it prior to leaving. Went to start it today, will not start, and I can hear the relay clicking rapidly. I charged the battery made sure I had 12 volts. I tried to jump start it from another car. No good, still will not start.
Any advise as to what I should try and replace first. This I know:

1. There is a regulator module ( I think ) it has two wires.
2. an iginition module with a bunch of wires
3. Relay
4. Resistor
5.Coil
6. Distributer
7. Starter motor does not crank at all when I turn the key

I am inclined to sart with the ignition module, are these overly heat sensitive or fail regularly. Car has run flawless for two years.

Have not driven the Cobra for two weeks, I get a day off with nice weather and I am grounded. Appreciate the time of all who can help.

Regards,

Tommy · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:06 PM

You may find this article helpful: Click here.

nevermind65 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:08 PM

You are talking about two totally different cases. In #7, you state the engine will not crank at all. That would be related to the starter solenoid or starter itself, assuming the battery is in good shape. If it has an external relay, you can jump the solenoid easily to get the engine to turn over. If the solenoid is mounted on the starter, it can still be done, but is probably a bit harder.

If the engine cranks but doesn't start, then you need to check if it is getting gas to the carb, then check for spark at the plug and at the coil wire. If no spark, then check for power at the coil.

I'm just kind of guessing since you make no mention of whether it has a carb or FI, or what type of ignition is on the car.

trularin · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:37 PM

Jerry, does the engine turn over or not?

It has to turn over first.

If the sol. is clicking rapidly, there is not enough current getting to the sol at the proper voltage.

Let us know.

jerry w · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:42 PM

Thanks for the reply Guys.

Thanks for the article- Tommy

Tried to jump start it , no good
Did the relay bypass, no good

The clicking seems to be coming from the relay. But even when I bypass it with a jumper cable the starter motor will not crank.

Jer

jerry w · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:46 PM

trularin- the engine does not crank at all- just clicking at the relay.

Jer

jwd · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:56 PM

Clean your battery cables.

jerry w · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 03:59 PM

Battery cable connections sparkle better than new, thanks.

Tom Wells · #9 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 05:01 PM

jerry_w,

Dunno if this will help but I had a similar symptom:

http://www.firstcoastcobraclub.com/v...=35&p=121#p121

I hate it when the starter goes "click"

Tom

Rick Parker · #10 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 05:07 PM

Buss bar in the solenoid may be corroded, replace solenoid.

PatBuckley · #11 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 05:19 PM

1. Jump start it and go driving

2. Hit the starter with a hammer

3. Replace the iginition switch.

slithering · #12 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 07:43 PM

Jerry,

Have you inspected the grounding system, primarily at the starter?

Rwillia4 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 01:02 AM

I would check the ground strap from the engine to the frame. It sounds like a current issue getting thru the lines. Sparkling battery cables at the battery is only half the story.

Next have you tested your starter- take it to an auto store they usually do it for free (any oil around the starter?)

trularin · #14 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 05:55 AM

Pull the starter and growl it. Pull it out and place a negative wire to the bolt hole and use a positive wire to hit the positive post.

Hold on to the starter when you do this as it will jump off the work bench.

If it turns freely, start to worry. If it does not turn, visit the auto parts store and get a new one.

AND MAKE SURE THERE IS A GROUND STRAP BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE CHASSIS.

If the starter turns freely, go to the engine and place a socket and wrench with a long breaker bar on the harmonic balancer nut. Turn the engine over.

If you can turn the engine over, take the starter to the auto parts store and have them do a current draw check.

If you can not turn over the engine, it isn't the starter.

I hope this helps.

strictlypersonl · #15 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 06:48 AM

If you are using an external starter solenoid, make sure it is well grounded.

jerry w · #16 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 11:09 AM

Okay Guys here is what I have done so far:

Pulled the relay, tested it with a battery and test light , relay clicks on. Not the relay

Pulled the starter motor, took it to NAPA they tested it, works fine.

I can turn the engine over with a breaker bar and socket. Engine not seized.

cleaned all ground connections I coud find with emery paper and isopropyl alcohol. There is a ground strap between frame and starter motor bolt on the engine.

When I turn the iginition key, I still get a fast click from the relay, but the starter motor will not turn.

I even tried jump starting the Cobra from a running vehicle, same clicking noise at the relay.

Xavier · #17 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 11:15 AM

Same thing happend to me - bad ground to the remote relay.

CHANMADD · #18 (**permalink**) 09-03-2007, 11:17 AM

Try putting a starter relay,in the circuit between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid,this will ensure that you are getting full voltage to the low side of the starter solenoid.Try running a jump wire from the battery Pos. to the solenoid low side and see what happens.If that works put the relay like I said.