94 SL will not start, seems to be shorts

SAMUELRIV

MEMBER
1994 SATURN

94 Saturn SL

Problem is chronic. I try to start the engine, and get no sound whatsoever. What happens is as follows: the interior and exterior lights and electronics all work without ignition. They turn off as soon as I press the brake pedal (removing fuse to brake lights fixed the problem), and they turn off when I turn the key to crank the engine. The dome light dims significantly when I the key is turned to 'run', and nothing changes on app.

Oh, removing the brake light fuse did not stop the lights from going out when cranking.

This has happened in the past, usually when I leave the car parked for a while. Sometimes I would come out and have the same symptoms, so i'd hit the battery and wiring around a little and the problem would (eventually) be "fixed". This time, this solution isn't working, and regardless, it would be nice to have a reliably-running car.

2 Replies

PEPPERMRJ

MECHANIC
1,158 POSTS

First check that the battery and starter connections are clean and tight.
Next have the battery tested. Sounds like it is on its last legs.

Let us know what you find.

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Wednesday, February 1st, 2006 AT 7:16 PM

SAMUELRIV

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yeah the first things I checked were the battery and starter connections, and they're fine. Regardless, the symptoms essentially rule out the connection end being the problem unless there is some wiring cross-over at those points.

On a related topic, anybody estimate the cost of a wire harness (+ wires) replacement? Because at this point Im thinking this is the most likely suspect.