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Wont turn over

Tiny
BROM
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Okay. I recently purchased an 1989 RS Camaro, it has a 2.8 v6 engine and was running fine. However, yesterday morning it wouldn't crank up, much less turn over. So over the course of the last 2 days ive done research both online and in my Hanes Repair Manual, I've checked the starter, the battery, the battery cables, the fusible links, and the solenoid, all of which were fine, other than I needed to tighten a nut on the solenoid that held the fusible links and power cable to the solenoid, which then got the seat belt light, and the fuel pump up and running again. The only two other lights that illuminate are the emergency brake light and the service engine soon light. And no, the security light doesn't come on, nor does it flash on and off. The radio works, as well as the head lights. Im all out of ideas. Can you help me figure out what the issue is and how to best resolve it?
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 6:28 PM

32 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Is the problem that the starter won't engage? If so, have you checked to see if there is power to the smaller wire going to the starter when the key is in the start position? Have you checked the starter relay for power?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
BROM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Now that you mention it, the starter wasnt engaging. I will check the wires and get back to you. Thank you :)
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, July 17th, 2013 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
BROM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I forgot to mention, when I turn the key, the starter wont turn over, it only turns over, when I put the two wire ends on the starter. And it's been raining the last few days so I haven't had a chance to check the wire and relay yet, but I plan to today if the weather holds out
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Saturday, July 20th, 2013 AT 8:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Have you had a chance to work on it?
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Saturday, August 10th, 2013 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
BROM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I took it to a mechanic, all he told me is that I wasn't getting electricity to one side of my crank fuse, so I put a push button in, until I can invest some time into figuring that out. In the mean time I'm trying to find out why I smell something burning if I push the gas pedal down too far, why my RPM's are so high, and why its not accelerating and shifting gears like it should. It has an automatic transmission.
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2013 AT 4:14 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Is the transmission slipping? Check the trans fluid and see if it is brown and has a burnt smell to it.
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2013 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
BROM
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The person I bought it from recently had a new transmission put in, a checked the fluid the other day and it was purple and up to the correct amount. Today I was driving and when I mashed the gas, what ever the burning smell was must have finally given way because my RPM's shot up to 7000, and stayed there until I took my foot off the gas. Then the RPM's went back to their usual, which is still too high, for example I can be driving 55 and the RPM's can be any were from 4000 to 5500. But ever since it shot up to 7000 I can be driving along and it will go up to 6000 and stay there, until I take my foot off the gas.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 2:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Either the transmission isn't shifting up or it is slipping. Based on your description, it sounds like it is slipping.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
ITZJUZMEH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Engine Mechanical problem
1989 Chevy Camaro V8 Manual

My dad has an 89 Camaro, he lost the keys so he replaced the ignition, well now it wont turn over by the keys but he can try to "hotwire" it on a switchboard, however it seems that the carburator is not getting gas. What could be the issue?
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The actuator rod may not by set right follow these steps: STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES -1989 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Page 1 of 1
IGNITION SWITCH

Removal
1.Steering column must be lowered (removed on some models) to gain access to ignition switch. Steering wheel removal is not required. Place lock cylinder in "OFF" position. 2.If lock cylinder has already been removed, pull actuator rod up until it stops. Back off actuator rod 2 detents. Remove switch retaining screw and stud. Lift switch from column. Detach actuator rod.
Installation
1.Place lock cylinder in "OFF" position. Place switch in "OFF" position by moving selector to top of switch and then backing off 2 detents. 2.On fixed columns, fit actuator rod into slider hole. Install switch onto steering column. Tighten attaching stud and screw. 3.On tilt or telescoping columns, install switch. Lightly push switch down on column to take up free play in actuator rod. Tighten attaching stud and screw. Connect wiring harness. Check operation of ignition switch

https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_IGN_1.jpg
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JRESCH13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1985 CHEVROLET CAMARO
  • 28,000 MILES
Had my battery die and jumped it and started right up. Was able to start it later that night as well. Went out for a bit then was about to go home and it wouldn't start so I jumoped it again and got nothing. Even replaced the battery. The car wont turn over and I feel like I cant turn the key far enough to where it would start turning over. What can be wrong? It has a brand new battery, starter, alternator. Its a rebuilt 305 and only has about 500 miles on the engine. I checked my fuses and everything checks out I also checked all my wires to the starter and battery. All the lights turn on and everything im just not hearing any engine sounds. And like I said all the parts are new in the car.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Use a digital multimeter across the battery posts, take a reading, everything turned off. The generic spec for a full charge is around 12.6 volts. If the battery is down, take it off and get it charged. You can't do any testing if the battery is down.

Replacing parts may not fix it, could be a wiring issue somewhere? Forget the jumper cables at the moment, check that the battery has a full charge, first.

Don't use the alternator to charge a dead battery. Just my opinion.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JRESCH13
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Its a brand new battery though I just bought it after I tried jumping the one I thought was bad
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Did you have the old battery tested to see if it was bad? Check the actual voltage reading at the starter solenoid, with key in the crank position. Have a helper turn the key to crank, while you check for voltage. The starter s terminal should be hot with key in the crank position. The starter bat terminal should be hot all the time.

You can use a testlight to check for voltage, but, a digital multimeter is a common tool like a screwdriver. The first step is about testing, not replacing parts.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just to add, any testing at the starter, make sure tranny is in park or neutral and the parking brake is set.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SLAPDOODLE19
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1985 CHEVROLET CAMARO
Engine Mechanical problem
1985 Chevy Camaro 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 0

I have recently bought a 85 camaro berlinetta with a rebuilt engine and transmission. Problem is that it wont turn over. I have been told that with rebuilt engines that it takes a little while at first to crank, but its been tried a lot by the previous owner and by mysef as well (so I can have a better understanding of whats going on). But I have checked and cleaned and repaired some things in the past three weeks, but everytime I go to try and crank, it gets slower and slower and ends up clicking from the starter. I was told its a new starter, but dont know how new. Any suggestions what I need to check and or replace? Thanks.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Have you had the battery checked? If it is turning slow and then clicks, it sounds bad. Most parts stores will check it for free.

As far as the engine being rebuilt, that has nothing to do with a hard start. It should fire right up for you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
You could jump the starter solenoid, to see if it will crank. There are safety issues. Safety is your responsibility because I can't see what your doing. You have to be positive the tranny is in park or neutral and a functional parking brake is set, block the wheels.

Used to hear all the time about farmers getting killed because they tried to jump the starter solenoid to start the tractor. They thought the tranny was in neutral and it wasn't, the tractor started and took off, that big back wheel caught them. You get the picture.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SLAPDOODLE19
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I replaced the battery with a new one, and it did get rid of the slow start and clicking. But it still doesn't turn over.
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM (Merged)

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