1997 Saturn SL2 I am sorry to say my car won't start when e

1997 SATURN SL2
117,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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SEVERIN20
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Hello all,

First off thanks for the help.

The car is a 1997 Saturn SL2

I'll try to keep this brief. My car won't start when the engine is hot. I hear a clicking sound but there is no cranking, furthermore there is no spark. I have purchased a new battery and replaced the crank position sensor, neither of these fixed the problem. After the engine cools down it starts right up. People have suggested I replace the starter solenoid or starter relay, could these parts get messed up when hot and cause my car not to start?
Sep 3, 2010 at 12:12 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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So when it get's hot and won't start do you have a crank no start?Or a no crank no start?meaning the starter doesn't spin the engine?Also do you have a test light or a multimeter?Let me know.
Sep 3, 2010 at 11:14 AM
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SEVERIN20
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Thank you for the response.

When the engine is hot there is no crank and no start.

I don't have a multimeter but id be happy to buy one.

Thanks again
Sep 3, 2010 at 3:08 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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We could actual use a test as well probably would be easier with a test light let me know when you get one.Sound's like a bad starter though.
Sep 3, 2010 at 3:15 PM
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SEVERIN20
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Saturntech9

Sorry for the delay in my response. I greatly appreciate the help you have given me so far. Today I stopped by a parts store and purchased a Multimeter, I couldn't find a test light. If you are still around I would love any advice you have to offer. Thanks again.

~John
Sep 12, 2010 at 9:38 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/416332_1995_SL2_starter_wire_diagram_1.jpg

Alright here's what you do when the engine's hot and you get a no crank no start the starter doesn't spin the engine over.Take your multimeter put it on DC voltage a scale for testing 12 volt's ground the black lead and use the red lead for testing.Make sure the car is in neutral and the ebrake is on.Below where the clutch pedal hit's you will see a good sized switch it will have a yellow wire going in and purple wire coming out.First probe the yellow wire while your turning the key to the start position you should read battery voltage.Then probe the purple wire while the switch is fully pushed in and the key is in the start position you should read battery voltage.Let me know what you find.
Sep 13, 2010 at 11:49 AM
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SEVERIN20
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SaturnTech9,

I drove the car for about 30 minutes in order to get to a no crank, no start situation. Then I ran the test and did not get a reading from either of the wires.

After the car sat for an hour and was ready to start up I ran the test again.

The yellow wire read an 11 on the multimeter and the purple wire was around 9 I believe.

Thank you again for all of your help.
Sep 13, 2010 at 4:20 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Alright let's do this get it hot so it won't start again then under the dash on the steering column there is a starter relay.Probe the yellow wire going into it terminal C1 with the key in the start position it should have battery voltage the other yellow wire probe terminal A2 should have battery voltage also with the key in the start position if they both do and it's not starting then the ignition switch,starter relay and remote keyless entry module are good.I would then retest the clutch switch again like i told you before.Let me know what you find.
Sep 13, 2010 at 6:27 PM
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SEVERIN20
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I haven't had a chance to run the new test like you suggested, because I had to take another car to go house sit. But as soon as I am done house sitting I will get right on it. Thank you again for the help, I can't say that enough as you have been wonderful. :)
Sep 16, 2010 at 7:18 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome that's what were here for keep me posted on what you find so we can figure out what's wrong with your car.
Sep 16, 2010 at 8:13 PM
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