'98 won't start and NOW!! solution
 

Hi everyone,
I'm owner of a malibu '98 for around a year without problems.
Right now, It started with a problem till it died completely.
First two days began having problems to start as a low battery or heavy starter. Battery was tested, starter rebuilt and the wires inspected, now I know all of them are OK. but the engine is completely died.
When I turn the ignition key, I can heard the starter for a microsecond till the starter driver touch the frywheel, but frywheel doesn't move. It's kind of jammed. Is it possible?
Please, if somebody had a similar problem and solved or know about this give me your experience.

Thanks in advaced!

SP

RE: '98 won't start
 

Up!
Several testings and nothing happens.
I test the starter installed conected directly with another battery and still the same problem. Starter starts for a microsec. till I feel the driver touch the frywheel and it stops sudenly without crank the engine.
Could be the frywheel jammed or the started haven't enought power to crank the engine?
Starter was tested in autozone three times and all of them passed the test.

Best regards!

Saby.

RE: '98 won't start
 

Try to see if it will start in " neutral ".

RE: '98 won't start
 

I tried too. Nothing happened....:(

RE: '98 won't start
 

If the car can be moved in neutral I doubt the fly wheel is jammed.

If the battery checks out , the cables are clean and secure, the starter is known to be good , then you would have to trace back to the start interlock ( neutral safety switch ).
I'm not sure if there is a relay for the ignition , you can check the fuse / relay box under the hood for this.

RE: '98 won't start
 

Yes, guy can be moved in neutral, then frywheel problem, discarded..

OK, I'll work in the start interlock.
You know what?. I have been noticed that sometimes when I try to start it, a relay (located in the fuse box under the hood) clicking very fast.

I'll check it out and let you know what happened.
I really appreciate your replies, thanks a lot!

Saby.

RE: '98 won't start
 

OK guys,
Problem is solved. Starter always passed the autozone testing but I decided to open it and change brushes and pinion becaused they looked worn and 'voala'. It's working as new.

Oh, I must say, thanks a lot for your opinions...;)