So it snowed for the first time in forever in South Carolina and I had to do some driving in it yesterday. Today I made a trip to eat dinner with my dad. Car started fine, drove fine, felt fine. However, after eating I go out to my car and it won't start. Won't even turn over. Lights and everything work fine and tried to jump it and nothing was happening so I doubt its the battery. I may however have a clue to the problem. I have an AEM CAI and afraid some water from the snow may have been sucked up. If this happens will the car not even try to turn over at all? I am getting NOTHING when turning the key. I had to leave the car and go back for it tom. The filter to the CAI was wet but I opened up the tubes and couldnt find any water; the MAF also seemed fine. Can anyone give some inputs to there ideas? Its an 04 with 49,000 miles. Never flooded no problems before. Thanks for the help guys!

 

Starter has NOTHING to do with the filter, MAF or CAI.

Worst case your starter may be dead, simple fix.

Check the clutch switch isn't broken off - if I recall, the plastic actuator shaft is green, and it's on the clutch pedal stop.

The only two fuses involved are the IGN 15 amp and the ACC 30 amp, both under the hood.

Good luck,

S

 

does the key shaped security light go out when you turn the key on, or is it flashing?

 

I think I saw it flashing...

 

if it was flashing, that means that for whatever reason, the ecu was not recieving the proper code from the chip in your key.

possible reasons for this

ecu dead (not very likely)
blown fuse
dropped key programming (try using another key to start the car)

 

Would resetting the ECU help?

 

only way of resetting the ecu is to take it to the dealer and have them reprogram your keys. i would try using another key to try starting the car. if the security light is still flashing, try checking all the fuses, if that yields nothing, have it towed to the dealer

 

Yeah, i'll check the fuses and try a new key tom... What would have been the problem if it wasn't flashing?

 

could be bad clutch switch, or if your floor mats moved up a little, might be blocking the clutch pedal from going all the way down and allowing it to allow the car to start

 

hmmm Good information! Thanks...I'll try these things. If anyone else has info let me know!

 

Here is what the starter interlock switch looks like on the clutch:


The switch can easily be removed from the bracket, then just push the button in all the way and see if that car starts.
You can push the button in with the switch still on the bracket... its just uncomfortable.
If it does start, you can slightly bend the piece holding the green pad towards the switch so it engages sooner.