91 rs starting problems
 

any feedback would be great, i have a 1991 rs with the 305 tbi. i recently put in a new alternator and new battery after a rebuild of the engine, and i'm still having problems starting the car. i know the starter needs to be replaced, but the car will start with a jump, so i know it's not just an old starter. maybe bad wiring somewhere? i've checked schematics, so i know i'm wired right, but beyond that, i'm lost.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

If starter will turn with a 'jump' but not the key ...

1) starter wires - purple signal wire on small terminal, all others on larger terminal
2) test purple signal wire at starter - should get 12v+ when key turned (and clutch depressed)
3) if it doesn't, then test it at the neutral safety switch should get 12v+ like above
4) if it doesn't, test dark gree wire going into NSS - should get 12v+ when key turned
5) if doesn't, then test starter enable relay - should have 12v+ on yellow wire from ignition switch to relay when key turned.

You've either got
1) bad starter signal wire (purple)
2) bad nuetral safety switch or bad green wire
3) bad starter enable relay or bad yellow wire
4) bad ignition switch (not the key cylinder, the switch)
5) VATS issue

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

so since my last post i was able to replace the starter. however, i am stil having issues starting. it turns and clicks like it's not getting enough power, like a dead battery. but i've put in a new battery, and same result. a lot of clicking, some trouble, and finally starts about the 3rd try. sooo...i dunno. if anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be great.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

Have battery tested at local parts store - fre battery and alternator test.

12volts doesn't mean good battery - it takes amps not volts to start a car.

New doesn't mean good battery either - no one ever tests them after manufacture. 95% of all batteries come here on a slow boat from China - then they sit in a warehouse for who knows how long.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

Take some jumper cabes, go from the neg. battery post to the starter mounting bolt. This will make sure you have a good ground. I like to use vice grips to the post & bolt, then hook the cables to the vice grips.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

Starter grounds on the block - if the starter is tight to the block, and the neg battery cable is attached to the block, no extra ground is going to help anything.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

i've checked grounds and the wiring. i know i'm wired right, just don't know what the problem is. i'll be trying to shoot some wires tonight, but any extra help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

Ok dont try that, only takes 2 minutes to do though. You dont know if the neg cable is bad somewhere in the middle, is an old car after all.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

where on the engine is the negative battery cable connected? Is it to the manifolds( assuming no headers)

is it to the cylinder head ( you don't have fancy aluminum cylinder heads do you)

is it to the block itself?

is it to one of the aluminum accessory brackets?

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

it's grounded to the block itself, where the block off plate is near the front on the passenger side of the engine.

Re: 91 rs starting problems
 

Aluminum doesn't matter -aluminum is a great conductor. The electric choke wire for a carbed car grounds on the aluminum intake.