Almera 2001 1.5 No start mystery

CharlieZeroOne · 04-01-2013 11:16pm #1

guys hey, my folks gave me an almera they had for a lend.
it was going fine, the engine warning light was on, but, it has been since they had it. they sent it to a mechanic and he couldnt find anything wrong with it. i have read about the timing belt, and the position sensors, - and there is a slight misfire when cold, but generally it was moving o kay, so i went about my business.

but it wouldnt start today. it tried to turn over then died after half a rotation.

i replaced the battery, still nothing, so thats not it. starter is whirring, but not making contact.

then the starter started making some kinds of rumblings, but still not turning the flywheel.

so i tried tow starting it. nothing. gah. i need this thing for work.

since it wont start with a tow, this makes me worry its not the starter, maybe something electrical or electronic.

so, does anyone know a mechanic in dublin that wont rip me off? im kinda paranoid about mechanics, been ripped off by them before.
im in castleknock, somewhere out here or blanchardstown would be ideal.

cheers for reading,

redd .

galwaydude18 · 04-01-2013 11:21pm

I'd out my money on the starter since it will start wit a push or tow. You can get the starter reconditioned and it will be as good new then.

CharlieZeroOne · 04-01-2013 11:43pm

cheers, dunno if i worded that wrong, but it wont start with a tow.

i wish it was the starter! i could pick up a second hand one and fit it myself for about 60 yoyos. but ive a feeling this is gonna cost me more.

jimmyw · 05-01-2013 2:06am

There seems to be two different issues here, first it needs to be established if the starter is actually turning over the engine.Second if the light is on, a diagnostics check should show up a fault.You're saying OP that the mechanic cant find one?

.If the starter is at fault then pushing the car should start it as you say.You need to see if the engine is turning while someone operates the key.

There has to be a fault code logged surely.I would check to see if the engine can be turned using a spanner/socket on the crank pulley if possible.If its a bit too free for instance then maybe the timing belt is gone.One possibility among others could be the crank position sensor?

CharlieZeroOne · 05-01-2013 2:20am

cheers Jimmyw for your suggestions.

the starter is not turning the flywheel. there is no compression.

ill try turning the crank on it tomoroow.
im used to old 4x4s with no ecu's and so the electronics are a new one for me. will look into getting it read

i have a pdf version of the almera service manual, had a read of it regarding the timing chain. the disassembly instructions are 5 pages long, and then the same five pages in reverse to put it all back together. is the crank position sensor is buried in there too?

jimmyw · 05-01-2013 2:53am

Redd4 wrote: »

the starter is not turning the flywheel. there is no compression.

............had a read of it regarding the timing chain. the disassembly instructions are 5 pages long, and then the same five pages in reverse to put it all back together. is the crank position sensor is buried in there too?

Oh its a chain, then its hardly that then cause they rarely give trouble except rattle when the tensioner loosens.I am speaking generally cause I am not familiar with Almeras. You would not be removing a chain cause its a big job and hardly ever done on any car.The starter could be turning the engine but still have no compression so that's why it needs to be established if the engine is turning.

delly · 05-01-2013 3:33am

I remember reading a while back that the chains in these Almera's stretch over time and is a common fault. The first sign is that of an engine misfire and the EML light will pop on due to increased gaps in the sensor readings. If it was like this for long enough and running rough, could it then get to the point of not turning?

Almera 2001 1.5 No start mystery

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