Mike C.

From what you say, I suspect battery voltage is just not getting to the starter or the starter is shot. If the car is sometimes completely dead and you're sure the battery is charged then it has to be an intermittent connection at or not far downstream from the battery. I'd look closely at the ignition switch and the wires going to it.

JD 85 944

+1 on what Mike C. said about an intermittent connection. Since you have said that it looks like mice have had some of the wiring for lunch, you should definitely get a wiring diagram and identify the wires that look "chewed up" and address them.

-Jeff.

bulldog24

ok, I've replaced the munched wires that have anything to do with the ignition and still no start. I can hear and smell the fuel pump, getting dash lights and accessories but no click from the starter. Where is the crank bolt located on the 944?

Grandpa#3

OK, Pull the starter and take it in to a battery, alternator and starter shop. There has to be one in your area. Have them check the starter, most will do for free. I would not put it past the shop doing something to mess up the starting system just out of spite because of the PO not paying his bill. Have you checked the oil? There is a module forward of the ignition switch and it has contacts inside. Mine was bad and I had to change it out PITA, BUT I could turn the engine over with the key. The Crank Bolt is at the forward end of the engine down low and has a pulley it holds on. Pull the spark plugs out to make it easier to turn the engine over. Grip the plug wires as low as you can to pull them off. Might as well get new plugs to put back in. Check ignition relay G2 and G14. I hope this helps some.

Cheers,
Larry

odurandina

blown fuse ?? -- was the stereo removed ? Be very carefull when removing such items.

bulldog24

Well, kick me in the crotch, a couple of taps on the starter with a mallet and the car starts right up.

Mike C.

Did Lucas ever make starters for these cars? That sounds very Lucasian,,,,

ZW 944

just curious, how is removing the stereo problematic? what kinds of problems does it cause?

luftpirate

^^^^^ Ignition timing gnomes can't do their job w/out a beat.