car wont start and its not the safety switch

1999 SATURN SC2
206,000 MILES
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BABYKAYLEE2005
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
when i turn the key i hear a clicking sound my lights and stereo turn on but it wont start i changed the crank shaft sensor and the clutch safety switch and still nothing. what else could be wrong with my car
Oct 2, 2011 at 8:29 PM
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DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,380 POSTS
First, check the battery under load by checking voltage when turning the engine over. It should stay around 12V. any other drop and it is bad.
The starter solenoid or relay may have failed. The starter relay is behind left side of dash taped to harness.
Double check positive and negative cables for corrosion at posts, tight fit at posts and at the starter, for positive and the negative at the engine block.
Here is a link for general testing and alternator test;

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-battery

If the engine is turning over and it won't start, the fuel pump relay might be the problem. It is in the I/P junction box under the hood to the right of the brake master cylinder.

Oct 2, 2011 at 8:46 PM
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SATURNTECH9
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one most of the time its a bad starter very common on that car.Have the battery tested and make sure the battery cables are clean and tight like drcranknwrench suggested.Then remove the intake tube to the throttle body look under the intake manifold you will see your starter then with the clutch pushed all the way to the floor.Then see if you have power to the small purple wire to the starter with a test light.If you have power and all battery cables are tight etc then you have a bad starter.
Oct 2, 2011 at 8:59 PM
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