120 miles from home, can't start!!!!

[ChrisInNashville]

I'm 120 miles from my tools and Haynes manual.   PLUS, I'm learning car mechanics, but nothing more than a beginner.   Before getting a 120 mile tow, I'm hoping to eliminate obvious easy fixes that I may not know about.

Yesterday, I was running great.   Last night, car won't start.

Here's what I have:
- 12.5 volts on the battery, no problem there
- Fuel Pump is running with the turn of the key
- I'm hearing either two or three relays click with the turn of the key
- All I get is a click with the turn of the key, but no engine turnover or repetitive clicks (again, just with the turn of the key).

I've checked for loose wires, but I'm unable to see the wires on the starter because of the exhaust manifold.

Am I missing anything?   Or, is the starter the obvious problem?

[glennard]

Manual or auto?  Cleaned and tightened the two battery terminals?-ground strap end on body.  If manual, you can start on a hill, just like the good olde days.  If auto, neutral/park interlock is suspect.  If the click noise/sound is coming from the starter solenoid on the starter, suspect the starter or dirty /loose terminals.  Easter bunny has not been good to you.

[ChrisInNashville]

quote:Originally posted by glennard

If auto, neutral/park interlock is suspect.  

Automatic.

The transmission linkage was recently replaced.   Would that affect the interlock or is it the same thing?

Looks like the easter bunny wants me to be hippity hoppin' 120 miles home  

[glennard]

Depends--When the shift lever moves, it moves the interlock switch on the tranny.  Depends on what he did.   If you are getting a starter solenoid click, probably isn't the interlock.

quote:Originally posted by christietz

quote:Originally posted by glennard

If auto, neutral/park interlock is suspect.  

Automatic.

The transmission linkage was recently replaced.   Would that affect the interlock or is it the same thing?

Looks like the easter bunny wants me to be hippity hoppin' 120 miles home  

[erickmarciano]

try to hit the starter with spare wheel wrench.

2004 Volvo s60 T5
1971 280sl
1962 VW bug
1971 Harley FLH
1963 gs160 vespa
1962 gs160 vespa

[65auto230sl]

just a thought, i'm not trying to be disrespectful but is the shifter in park?

[Cees Klumper]

Hitting the starter motor with a heavy object might do the trick - or indeed checking the wiring to the starter motor (and the solenoid). Moving the gear selector back and forth to see if that helps. Are you positive that there is enough power in the battery? You could try getting a jump start from someone just to rule out that possibility. Good luck!

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[J. Huber]

To follow up Glennard's idea -- you could check the reverse/park lock cable that resides on the firewall. It may just need to be moved a scoach.

James
63 230SL

[ja17]

The nuetral safety switch is easy to reach on the firewall. You will see a cable going to it. Check to see if the lever arm moves when the shifter is moved.  If not disconnect the cable and move the lever manually to a position where the car will start.  Use caution, the stater will engage in a drive gear until the problem is fixed.

Download Attachment: ns switch1.JPG
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Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[ChrisInNashville]

Joe, that's IT!

The wire itself broke, so I toggle it and it started!

[ja17]

Be careful Chris, the car will now start in drive or reverse a dangerous situation until the cable is replaced.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[glennard]

Looks like he didn't quite 'replace' all of it!  All's well that ends well.

quote:Originally posted by christietz

quote:Originally posted by glennard

If auto, neutral/park interlock is suspect.  

Automatic.

The transmission linkage was recently replaced.   Would that affect the interlock or is it the same thing?

Looks like the easter bunny wants me to be hippity hoppin' 120 miles home  

[J. Huber]

Do I get a half a point?    Glad you found it, Chris. I replaced my cable a while back -- I think it was 45 bucks then but looks like its about 75 now.

James
63 230SL

[ChrisInNashville]

Thanks for the help.   Here's the rest of the story:

My issue is that I have a basic understanding, but lack the detail knowledge to find the embellishments;  I understand "fuel pump, spark, relays, starter"...but a safety switch?   That's an embellishment...and being 120 miles from my Haynes, puts me at a huge disadvantage.

So, I'm going to get 2 more Haynes manuals.   One for each home and one for the car!

And Erick:   If my wife saw me banging on anything with a wrench, it would just feed the "stereotype" and wouldn't accrue to my long term benefit