car doesnt start.. it doesnt even click... i dont think its the starter.. im thinking the solenoid.. is there a fusible link that goes to the solenoid?

 

Check the CRANK fuse in the fuse panel. You can also disconnect the 2-wire unit on the intake manifold with the blue connector next to the CTS, and probe the 2 terminals inside with a test light when you turn the key to the crank position. If the test light lights, there is another problem (same circuit as the solenoid).

 

it did run though. its not like i did the chain and it just didnt run from there..

it just started cranking slower and slower.. and it wont even click anymore.. its not the battery.. battery has 12 volts.its not dead

 

Use the above to make sure that the CRANK circuit is getting power and then go ahead to troubleshooting the starter. Also check for 12V at the solenoid's purple wire. You can also use an underhood starter switch to check that the starter is able to work. If the starter won't work period, it's either a bad solenoid or starter. Take the starter to a place to have it tested.

 

ok so with my little knowledge and experience in this with next to no tools and a small voltmeter.. i checked each and every fuse.. they are all good. and i got under the car and tried using the voltmeter and i didnt see a purple wire.. i tried to test every wire from there and i got nothing.. i dont know if i did it right.. or if it really isnt getting any power.. i wish mechanics didnt charge for towing

 

There's 3 wires and 4 terminals on the starter solenoid. Top one is the battery positive cable post. Bottom one is power to the motor itself. One of the side ones should have about a 12-14 gauge purple wire on it, generally the one closest to the engine block.

 

got mad n ripped the starter out. turns out it was bad.. im hoping thats the only issue

 

ok update.. starter was bad... and the fusible links are good.. but i ran it through a test light and its all positive... where is the ground on the starter?? and where does the starter bracket bolt to... when i took the old starter off ,the bracket just fell down..but now since all of the wires are getting current.. what else could it be?and also there is 3 things the wires bolt to.. but 2 go to the positive with the battery cable and that makes one wire left and 2 areas to bolt.. 2 are small size and one is big size... one wire 2 areas to bolt.. which one? they form a triangle. big on top. 2 on bottom..any info will be great

 

where does the bracket go

 

Take some pics because V6 may be different and a lot of posters have V8's. Pics make it easier for us.

 

i dont know how to upload them into a forum. if you have aim. message me.. my name is thebentwahh.. il show u a pic

 

Just take the pics and save then to your hardrive. Then use a hosting service like Photobucket or Tinypics,com(Iuse them) http://tinypic.com/? and up load the link into your thread here with the [img]link[/img]on thirdgen and your full size pics will appear.

It's really not hard once you do it a few times and we will be able to help you. Remember a pic is worth a thousand words.

 

theres one.. il have more soon. ima run to the mechanic n see if he knows how the bracket goes on

 

found out the problem.. the solenoid wire wasnt on the right nut... but now there is a new problem.. that starter just blew.. 2nd starterin 3 days.. somethings going on with the wiring

 

Before you install the new starter, clean the crap off of all of the wire terminals and any crud off of the starter mount on the block. The starter mount is how the starter grounds.

And when you install the starter, check the clearance between the starter shaft and the ring gear on the flywheel/flexplate. Should be 1/8". You may need to buy a shim pack for it. If the clearance isn't right, the starter will have to work even harder to turn the engine over, which burns it out.

 

just did it.. but i took the battery to pepboys and it was bad.. i put the starter back in.. cleaned everything as best i could.. once i get a battery im gonna check it out.. i hope thts all i need

 

the car starts when it wants to... could it be the clutch pedal switch? how could u test it to see if its broken

 

There is a thing on the clutch switch that attaches to the rod that slides through the switch assembly as the pedal is pressed. This is supposed to engage the switch. It can become out of adjustment if the clutch has been replaced or other work done. Push the slider up against the switch, get in the seat, and step on the clutch. You will hear a number of clicks as the slider ratchets on the rod into position.