My vr4 wouldn't start this morning, and when i turned the key forward to ty, the relay thaT is up under the passenger side dash clicks. What is that relay and could that be the problem?
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BoostedAWD91
Well-known member
That is the MPI relay which if its not working will cause the car not to start. If u need one i have one $10
Could be the igniter on the manifold, I had that happen once to me. NO spark.
1990ggsxnj
Well-known member
Could also be the ECU, has it been checked? With any possibility of this, it should always be checked. Even if work was done recently. I wouldn't want to spend the money on another ecu and it's easy enough to drop it down and take a look. Could very possibly be the mpi relay. I've had it happen, but have also with the same car had bad caps. I've noticed a few friends that had the MPI relay go bad also find problems later on with their ECU. May be related, may not be. Doesn't hurt to make sure.
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Wizardawd
Well-known member
Guys, even a bad MPI relay will still allow the car to turn over. It sounds like it's not even doing that (correct me if im wrong). So, check your battery terminals for a good connection, ensure that the clutch start switch is working (operate it manually and listen for a click with the key on) then consider a starter problem.
And the MPI relay always clicks on when you try to start it, you often don't hear it because the car is usually turning over at that time. Now, if it is clicking rapidly or erratically, then yes....it could be an ECU issue. But, again you can actually even turn the car over without an ECU plugged in, just won't fire.
Wiz
And the MPI relay always clicks on when you try to start it, you often don't hear it because the car is usually turning over at that time. Now, if it is clicking rapidly or erratically, then yes....it could be an ECU issue. But, again you can actually even turn the car over without an ECU plugged in, just won't fire.
Wiz
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BoostedAWD91
Well-known member
yeah thats a good question, does the engine turn or does the relay just click and nothing else
Have you checked your lower starter-interface clutchswitch? The plastic insert cracks and drops out on the floor, so the switch doesn't get pressed in far enough to work. You can unplug the switch to bypass it.
ok so I dont think its the MPI relay thats bad. I tried to start it again today and i get a new clicking sound coming from the starter. It sound like it could be my starter solenoid. I really dont wanna pull it off, so is there a way to test it on the car? If so what is it? The ecu is good and i have dsmlink if that makes any difference. The battery connection is good. I haven't checked the clutch switch. How do i bypass it, cuz i want to do that anyways lol
toybreaker
iconoclast
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2006
- Messages
- 3,581
Unplug the clutch down switch
if it is your starter just get a pry bar and a hammer and give it a couple smacks while someone cranks it.. if it is the starter usually it will start that way
+ 1000 fot the above give it a wack...
1990ggsxnj
Well-known member
Agreed. Have done that with multiple cars (yet none of them a DSM or Vr4, odd) and it seems to work. Especially if the car had been sitting for a while.
either the selonoid or the armature on the motor is locked up. Couple smacks while cracking will usually free it up for a min, but they are easy enough to replace that I just get one with a lifetime warranty from autozone in fact I am parting out my vr4 and I have a starter with warranty from vautozone and I can give you the phone number to use if it transfers out o state and all..
sorry i haven't been on in a while. I just moved so i didn't have internet till today lol. How in the worl do i whack the starter?! I cant get anything back there
SmoothCustomer
Well-known member
Quoting customf4i:
either the selonoid or the armature on the motor is locked up. Couple smacks while cracking will usually free it up for a min, but they are easy enough to replace that I just get one with a lifetime warranty from autozone in fact I am parting out my vr4 and I have a starter with warranty from vautozone and I can give you the phone number to use if it transfers out o state and all..
How much are you selling that starter for?
either the selonoid or the armature on the motor is locked up. Couple smacks while cracking will usually free it up for a min, but they are easy enough to replace that I just get one with a lifetime warranty from autozone in fact I am parting out my vr4 and I have a starter with warranty from vautozone and I can give you the phone number to use if it transfers out o state and all..
How much are you selling that starter for?
