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Girl Has a serious car question. Please help intelligent guys/girls.?

I recently had a Geo tracker given to me as a gift from my parents. It is a 1993 manual transmission. It does not start. When you turn it over, the lights/radio, etc work but it makes no sound as far as starting. No clicking or whining. Just the dash lights come on, radio, dome light and stuff. Could it be the starter? She said they recently had the selenoid replaced, but not the starter. Any thoughts....? (dumb girl who needs male intervention or smart girl intervention) Could it be anything else that you all can think of? I greatly appreciate your thoughts.

Public Comments

1. Yes... it could be the starter, but it could be several other things as well. Start by checking the battery voltage. Even if the lights come on, does not mean there is enough voltage for the starter. I would also say to double check the wiring. Battery connections, solenoid (that was replaced) and the primary cable leading to the starter. You will also want to check the starter relay, and any fuses related to the relay. Also check the neutral safety switch... which is located on the clutch pedal. If you're not sure how to do any of this... it may be a good idea to take it in and have it looked at by a mechanic. - Good Luck!
2. I've had cars do the same (accessory lights working, but nothing from the starter), and it have a bad battery. Have you tried jump starting it. If it still won't start, the starter is a good guess. Inspect the condition of the main cables coming off the battery as well. If they are rotted or worn through in spots, you need to replace them regardless for safety reasons. Before you throw big money at it, try taking a hammer and beating on the starter. Sounds silly but sometimes it will get it to at least start for that time.
3. There is a safety switch on the clutch linkage, it may need to be adjusted or replaced-most have no adjustment. Try pushing the clutch pedal down very firmly to see if that works.
4. i would say start with the wire that runs from the battery to the starter. then check all of your ignition wires. then try replacing the starter
5. It could be a lot of things. First you have to find out if the battery has enough power to start the vehicle. A battery with low power will be able to light the lights and radio but still not have enough to crank the engine. The starter you have on that vehicle has a history of problems so that could also be your problem, but you cant ignore cables, ignition switch and clutch lock out switch and many other things. Is their a security system on it? That could also be a problem. Your going to have to get someone to look at it.
6. either the battery terminals need taken off and cleaned real good with a wire brush or you need a new battery.