Replaced Starter, Now not Starting (1997 850 T-5)

clutchcinabon · Post by **clutchcinabon** » 07 Dec 2020, 01:52

Hey all-

So I've spent the last 12 hours replacing the starter on my 1997 850 T-5 not because it takes that long, but because I seem to have messed up somewhere and I can't figure out where. I'm definitely at my wit's end. For a while I've been having an issue where the car would take a while to start when warm, and finally it wouldn't start and all I got was a click.

When I started, I had a brain fart and forgot to disconnect the battery before beginning the work. A spark came from the positive and ground wires on the starter so I immediately ceased touching it with my wrench and disconnected the battery to prevent further issues.

I removed the starter following RobertDIY's video on YouTube, and now the car isn't starting- everything is verified to be connected properly, the spade connector is connected and clean and it sounds like the car is making more of a popping sound. I checked the fuses and none of them seem to be blown.

Considering everything is connected right, and the starter is good what should I check next? The ignition switch? Grounds? I can't read a wiring diagram for the life of me so if the grounds are the best thing to check, I wouldn't mind being told where they would be, haha.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Dec 2020, 03:53

Cranking is the action of the engine spinning under the starter

Starting is the engine firing up after cranking.

Obviously if it doesn’t crank it won’t start.

Are you having trouble cranking or starting,now?

Get your battery on a charger so it is fresh and ready to go.

Take a little break to get your brain together, I’m fried after 12 hours of car work

clutchcinabon · Post by **clutchcinabon** » 07 Dec 2020, 09:58

I've had it on a charger all night and there's no change at all.

clutchcinabon · Post by **clutchcinabon** » 07 Dec 2020, 10:37

Also, it's not even cranking.

Post by **scot850** » 07 Dec 2020, 11:11

First check you got the small wire connected to the starter. It is a push on spade connector. Easily overlooked.

2nd, try locking and un-locking the driver's door lock with the key a couple of times to ensure the immobiliser is reset. /Re-fitting the battery can cause the immobiliser to get confused and prevent the starter turning over.

Neil.

Post by **Chuck W** » 07 Dec 2020, 12:57

A "popping" sound?

Also, the '97 T5 doesn't have an immobilizer.

clutchcinabon · Post by **clutchcinabon** » 07 Dec 2020, 15:04

Yes, it's not a click- it's a pop sound

Post by **Chuck W** » 08 Dec 2020, 05:30

Can you post a video if what's going on?

clutchcinabon · Post by **clutchcinabon** » 08 Dec 2020, 11:34

I'm not sure if you can hear it, but it's much less of a click like it was prior and more like a fuse popping if that makes sense. However, I've checked all my fuses and they seem to be good. What are the odds that I got a bad starter brand new?

Post by **scot850** » 08 Dec 2020, 11:40

Question on the starter. It appears you have used a brand new starter. What brand is it and is it new or rebuilt?

Neil.