I just bought my 92 camaro rs (manual trans) and i drove it for about two weeks then all of a sudden it wont start any more. I checked the starter and replaced the neutral control switch. i don't know what else it could be. i ruled out the VATS problem. When i try to turn it over nothing happens all i van hear is teh fuel pump. the radio and head light stay on but my dash lights die out and the temp gauge goes up slowly if i hold it over. i'm mad >_<!!!! plz help

 

Have you tried pop starting it in gear. It could be that your battery is weak, or you might have a bad starter solenoid, even if the starter motor might checkout fine.

 

Yeah i can start it by pushing it and poping the clutch. i cleaned the battery terminals already just to make sure and that wasn't it either. How can i check the solenoid?

 

When you turn on the key to try to start the car, do you hear a clicking sound coming from the starter? You can test it by applying 12 volts directly to it, and seeing if it engages, but I am sure that that is your problem, especially if you can get your car started off the flywheel.

 

No i don't hear anything at all. all i hear is the fuel pump. I'm in the process of replacing the ignition switch. I'll test the starter if that doesn't work. the guy i bought it off of said he had to replace it awhile back, that those cars are bad about the switch going bad. So i'm gonna try that then test the starter again.

 

If you are getting power to the starter, you don't need to replace your switch. Have somebody try to start the car while you are testing for voltage at the starter solenoid. If you are getting voltage there, that means that your ignition switch is fine. The fact that you can pop start the car also suggests that your switch, at least is turning the ignition on and off. Chances are it is your starter solenoid. I had mine go out on my 91. I bought a new starter for 60 bucks and that took care of everything.

 

I went through several starters on my old car, I'm also thinking it's the starter solenoid. Every time mine failed, the starter motor itself was fine, but the contacts in the solenoid were burned. One method I learned is to bang on the starter with a hammer. Mine crapped out once in a parking lot, and that trick got me home. If you tap on it with a hammer, and it cranks over, time to replace the starter. Some places actually sell just the solenoid (the smaller round cylinder on the starter), and it's not too hard to replace. If the teeth on the starter gear are in good shape, and if you can get the solenoid for cheap, it might be worth trying.

 

Check the fuses too.

 

If i was to touch both ends of the solenoid together with a screw driver and it starts could the solenoid still be bad?

 

okay here is an update. I had a friend hold the clutch in and the ignition to on. i then got under the car and connected the two points on the solenoid. all that happened was the starter turned but the car never started. whats wrong?

 

wait you said the starter moved... does that mean the gear extended and spun the fly wheel or just extended.. if it just extended the starter is shot.. you can test it but it might test good at a part store if it doesnt test under load.. but if its spining then you should at least get a cranking sound unless the battery is week and you get a clicking sound.. the fact that you only hear the fuel pump and you still get lights makes me think its not the battery.. its your starter.. even if its getting power its still gotta turn the motor

 

yeah i was under the car and it didn't even sound like the car tried to turn over, all i could hear is the starter making that zoooooooom sound like something is spinning. so you think the starter is just shot?

 

yea im gonna say it is.. because sometimes startes can make noises but not actually do what there supposed to do.. see if any local parts stores test starters for free.. i know pep boys and auto zone do.. but dont test under load.. it would be a good idea to bring the starter with you (considereing theres gonna be a core charge anyway) and get it tested.. but from what i hear it sounds like a starter

 

see i already had it tested thats the thing. and they said that it was good. the starter is $86 with a $35 core charge. i don't want to spend that kind of money if i don't have to, ya know.

 

UPDATE!

I bought a new starter and its still doing the same thing!!!! Someone plz help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You've tested to see that the starter spins, but is the solenoid actually moving to engage the starter gear onto the flywheel?

 

when you had the starter out did you peek inside to make sure the flywheel had no broken/worn down teeth.I don't think this is the problem but it may be worth checking it out(at least it doesn't cost money). also when you try starting the car does the dome light stay on and just dims down or is it going right out.

 

okay here is everthing, i put in a new starter, ignition switch (not keys and tumbler), and a neutral control switch and still nothing. And no i haven't checked the flywheel i did think about that though. what i did do is i pushed it and poped the clucth and drove it around a few times ands till nothing. i think the odds of it stoping on the same notch that is missing from the flywheel is pretty slim. besides the solenoid nor the starter kicks in when i turn the key over. the dome light stays on nothing dims down, just stays bright. I've checked all fuses and ran the lines. i think i found a bad fusable link but not sure, its to dark to see now so i'm giving up for the night and will let everyone know what happens tomorrow when i bypass the link. any other advice would be appreciated though.

 

yeah that what it sounds like but if you going to bypass it just make sure to put a inline fuse on the jumper wire hate to see the thing go up in flames.

 

Did you ever figure out what is wrong with your car? I am having very similar problems.