Alright, so I've only had this vehicle for a few days and I just ran into my first gremlin. The vehicle responds to the key in the ignition. All electronics work. Top, A/C, lights, etc. However, when I push the starter it just ticks and won't turn over.

Now I thought maybe it was the battery, but I didn't do anything to kill it and all the lights and such were off when I parked it last night. Prior to this there were no unusual symptoms or hard starts. It was 100% normal. The only thing I can think I did after I parked it was go and try to open the trunk with the key, but couldn't get it to open. I opened it from the inside. Now the keys will open the trunk, but won't start the car.

Any thoughts? I did some searches and got a few results back talking about the transponder and possibly something in the security system. I don't have the original keyless remote because the dealership didn't have it. Also don't have the original keys, they're copies of some sort.

I looked the car over and there's evidence that the PO had a stereo system in it, but took it out or had it stolen. The head unit is aftermarket as well, but I haven't been able to get it to play anything through the speakers (works and plays CD's but no noise from the speakers).

I'm guessing it's electrical.

 

The car may have enough battery power to run the electronics but not enough to turn the car over. I suggest trying to jump start it anyways just to rule out the battery completely.

 

new battery

 

battery for sure. click = solenoid working

 

Battery.

 

I tryed jump starting it, but no dice. By ticking I don't mean the starter ticks, something in the steering column does.

I tried using the non-transponder key, and it will beep and flash the key light. It doesn't do that with the transponder key, so I'm going to assume the key is fine.

Everything lights up, on the dash I have the battery light, oil pressure light, and a light that says "EPS". Are those normal?

Again, I push the starter, it ticks, the lights and such inside flash on/off just like if you were going to start it.

Could it be that the battery is just 100% useless?

 

starter motor.

 

Did anyone figure this out? I have the exact same problem now for 2months. I've replaced my battery, replaced my starter, still have the same issues. A buddy told me it may still be the starter and that I may have gotten a bunk refurbished denso starter

 

If you have a battery charger throw that on the battery and make sure it's topped off.

After that I'd try is push starting the car. Clutch in, 2nd gear, ignition "on", push car to get up as much speed as possible, release clutch (it definitely helps to have a friend or 2 assist). The momentum of the car will turn the motor over fast enough to start the car (just as the starter would), then depress the clutch again and the car should run as normal. If that works, at least you know your fuses/wiring/fuel pump/sensors/ecu/etc are all good and you're back to suspecting a defective battery/starter.

 

clutch and brake safety switch goes bad on all these cars or rather the plastic button that pushes the switch that is installed in the pedals. there are 2. one for the clutch out position and one for the clutch in position. one on the brake pedal too. telltale is white/yellow plastic button bits in the footwell. $5 part or bypass the switch.