'89 Beretta / 2.8 / AT / WON'T START.

sprint2thechecker · Post by **sprint2thechecker** » Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:11 am

'89 Beretta, 2.8 V6, automatic transmission. 123,000 miles on the car, with a relatively new starter (approximately 2,500 miles on the starter), and a new battery. Won't start period. Doesn't turn-over, and I hear no sounds except for the interior buzzer. Tried to jump-start it and got the same results. That is when I put a new battery in it because the old one was about dead and it wouldn't take a charge when put on a charger. I unhooked the new battery in case something drained the old one. When the new battery is connected, I've got all the lights, buzzers, radio, etc... But when I turn the ignition switch, the lights dim and it doesn't crank or turn over.

I've heared and read all kinds of possible problems including the wire going to the starter, the starter itself, the solenoid, the ignition switch, some switch or safety switch in the transmission (I did try to start it while wiggling the shifter lever throughout the entire range from Park to Reverse, but there was no response). Someone told me to tap on the starter with a hammer while having someone turn and hold the ignition switch.

I haven't investigated any further than trying the new battery, and the terminals are clean. The car has been sitting for a few months now, but I intend on investigating the problem soon.

If anyone can direct me as to an order of approach I might want to take first through last (basically a "process of elimination") to diagnose the problem, any reponse would be greatly appreciated.

piaras · Post by **piaras** » Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:24 pm

First thing. Check to see if your fuses are intact. Without power from the Ignition switch to the soleniod there is a no start condition!
Next check for 12 volts at the Purple wire that is going to the soleniod. This wire comes from the ignition switch and relayed thru the neutral start switch. 12 volts in crank position only
You will also have to check your Positive wire from the battery and the two fusible links at the starter. Again 12 volts but at all times.
Also check the Negative cable for 12 volts and with the cables disconnected from the battery do an Ohm test from the battery end of the Negative cable to ground. Should be 0 or really close to that. Hi resistence wil cause trouble and make sure your battery connections and the ones at the starter are clean and tight. Dirty, corroded and lose cables are way too common.
Make sure your ground strap from the starter to body is intact but this has minor effect on starting as mine was gone but car started fine.

The above will tell you if the problem is before the starter or not.
I would then remove the starter just 2 bolts and wires and bench test the motor.
Courtesy of Offical GM Service Manual and over 30 yrs of doing it daily.

sprint2thechecker · Post by **sprint2thechecker** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:59 am

Thanks for the info, piaras! Hopefully I'll be getting around to checking out the situation in a week or so. I'll definitely keep in mind the steps you have described.

Thanks!

sprint2thechecker · Post by **sprint2thechecker** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 7:06 pm

Well... I got it started. I had someone here to turn the ignition switch while I went under with a voltmeter to see if the starter was getting voltage, but FIRST I decided to try something that someone suggested. I didn't think it would do any good, but I beat on the starter with a rubber mallet while someone turned the ignition switch. Sparks flew and I heared the starter try to turn-over. I kept beating on it (some sparks still flew) and then it kicked-over and the car started. I don't know WHY sparks flew (unless there is a loose connection or a bad wire that I didn't see). So anyway, I tried starting the car several times after this (WITHOUT beating on the starter) and it fired right up each time. So now, I don't know if the starter really is bad or whether or not I should replace it. Anyone have any further input, suggestions or comments?

piaras · Post by **piaras** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:51 am

In hitting the starter you caused the armature to move a little bit. Therefore the brushes came to rest on different contacts. This means the there is a bad winding in the armature. Time to replace the starter.
At anytime the starter will stop turning and land in the same place as before. Carry the mallet with you! You do not know when you will need it again.

sprint2thechecker · Post by **sprint2thechecker** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 7:03 am

(piaras @ Jul. 28 2007,01:51)QUOTEIn hitting the starter you caused the armature to move a little bit. Therefore the brushes came to rest on different contacts. This means the there is a bad winding in the armature. Time to replace the starter.
At anytime the starter will stop turning and land in the same place as before. Carry the mallet with you! You do not know when you will need it again.
Make no mistake... That mallet won't leave the car unless (and if so, "when" ) another starter is put on. Thanks again, piaras.

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