View Full Version : Another car won't start thread


kanjas
11-10-2009, 03:54 PM
I've read the threads I can find but they don't help. Can someone point me in the next direction to troubleshoot my problem?

My car started 2 days ago when i moved it out of the driveway and back, but when i went ot restart it the battery was dead. I tried to jump it but the starter would spin but it didn't sound like the engine was turning. Maybe a little at first but nothign now.

I bought a new battery and it's still doing the same thing. Starter spins but seems like the engine isn't doing anything.

I tried holding the gas down for 10 seconds thinking it was flooded like the manual said but no luck.

I just found out my warranty expired 2 weeks ago. I found some small water droplets on the dipstick when i checked the oil. it wasn't a lot. Could i have a more serious problem?

Anything I can try before i call a tow truck?

EDZRIDE
11-10-2009, 04:39 PM
First verify that the engine is not turning while the starter is spinning. If that truly is the case, remove the starter and check the teeth on the ring gear (flywheel); if those are ok, have the solinoid & starter drive checked.

Jon316G
11-10-2009, 04:50 PM
If the starter is spinning and the rotors (engine) aren't, verify the flywheel's teeth as EDZRIDE mentioned.
I've seen the flywheel's "pressed-on" teeth ring separate from the rest of the flywheel before.
But this was caused by a serious clutch failure, so hopefully this isn't your case.

Also verify the connections to the battery are tight.

Since you mentioned reading threads on deflooding, have you tried the other methods such as pulling the spark plugs, tow starting, or even squirting washer fluid into the maintenance ports?

kanjas
11-10-2009, 05:38 PM
Thank you for the responses.

How do I verify that the engine is not turning while the starter is spinning?

And no I have not tried those other flooding measures yet. Mainly since I am unsure how. (What/where is a maintenance port?)

EDZRIDE
11-10-2009, 05:45 PM
How do I verify that the engine is not turning while the starter is spinning?

The easiest way would be to raise the hood, remove the engine cover, and watch the alternator pully while a second person is in the car trying to start it. If the pully isn't moving but you can hear the starter motor turning, it's time to check the flywheel teeth then the starter if necessary.

Jon316G
11-10-2009, 05:52 PM
And no I have not tried those other flooding measures yet. Mainly since I am unsure how.

First method to try is simply removing the spark plugs, pulling the fuel pump relay, and have someone crank-start the car.
Have a rag nearby to catch the fluid as it ejects from the engine.
Insert the plugs and relay and try starting again.

Jon316G
11-10-2009, 05:58 PM
My personal favorite that has worked for me every time is using washer fluid which I talk about in this post:
http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=2771378&postcount=89

DomesticRx8
11-18-2009, 03:53 PM
where are the ports in your pictuers?

Jon316G
11-18-2009, 04:04 PM
where are the ports in your pictuers?

To the right of the washer fluid reservoir:
148334

04RX8man
11-18-2009, 05:15 PM
^how is it i've been here 4 almost 3 yrs and i never saw that method? haha...just shows there's alot of info on here