romac Posted April 23, 2005 Report Posted April 23, 2005 Hey everyone, new to the board. I actually don't have a W-body, but a friend at work does and she's been having quite a bit of trouble from it recently, and I told her I'd see what I could dig up on it, and here I am lol. It's a 91 Lumina 3.1 4 door. I'm not sure on the mileage, but I'm assuming it's somewhat high, and the car isn't exceptionally maintained outside of oil changes and such. Anyways, thats the info I have, now on to the problem. For a long time the car would die occasionally in reverse (I'm assuming with the wheel cut so there's a little bit of stress on it, but don't hold me to that). The other day she went out to start it, and nada. The dash/interior lights all worked but no start. She then tried to start it again today and nothing, no interior lights by now either. They replaced her battery today, went to start it, and still no start. Instead it just ticked but wouldn't turn over. Could it be the starter? Any other things to check? Could the dying in reverse be related? Does anyone have tips or a how-to on replacing the starter? Any help would be great guys, I'd really appreciate it Quote
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted April 23, 2005 Report Posted April 23, 2005 Well, alternators are a common problem with these engines.. might wanna get that checked out. It still could be lots of other things (wiring for example) but I'd get the alt tested. Quote
1990lumina Posted April 23, 2005 Report Posted April 23, 2005 The battery they put in - was it fully charged when installed?? When you do get it started I agree with C-BAD, if you have, or can borrow a voltimeter I'd test the alternator, should be around 14.4volts...if it is below 14volts then it is dying and I'd get a new one ASAP, if it isn't reading anything (like my car did when my alternaotr died) then you'll have to replace it before you drive the car anywhere. Remember these cars won't run unless they have electricial power. The computer controls the engine, and the computer needs electricty to do so... Have you tried boosting her car?? If it starts and runs then your battery/altenator isn't charged/charging. - Jeff L. Quote
DOHCRagtopguy Posted April 23, 2005 Report Posted April 23, 2005 Try giving the starter a whack and then turning the key. Sometimes the brushes hang up in there. It may be on its way out. Quote
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