My engine runs fine, but the Engine Start button does not work. The only way for the car to start is to push start. Battery is fine. Tried jump starting, no work. Before this all happened smoke filled the cabin during a drive. I pop open the rear speaker panels and I see burnt wires. My 12v plug does not work anymore, had car charger. I think there could be several possibilities, but I'd like to know if anyone has had this problem or a easy fix.

-Trung

 

Since fried wiring is specific to the vehicle involved, I suggest getting someone familiar with automotive electronics to track down exactly what is damaged before replacing parts willy-nilly. Be aware that this will be a relatively involved process.

I have heard that regularly push-starting a catalytic converter-equipped car can lead to premature catalyst failure due to contamination with raw fuel.

 

You've got a lot of work ahead of you. The whole harness has to be checked - which is a major PITA. Good luck.

 

What caused the fire in the first place?

 

I would think it's a good guess to say a short circuit somewhere.

BTW, dont start replacing blown fuses until you have your harness fixed up.

 

Funny. Trung you told me the car was in the shop getting the turbo uninstalled, so that you could ship it to me. Now you post that you're driving the car and that the start button doesn't work because your wiring is messed up. Makes me wonder about the condition of the turbo kit that you are supposed to be getting ready to ship to me. Sounds kinda skechy to me.
Jonathan

 

This was coming from Atlanta when this happened, been in the shop. Just posting it here to get some answers to relay to the people if it could help em.

-Trung

 

Your problem description is vague. I guess you probably mean that the starter motor does not operate, and that neither does the starter solinoid, since you mentioned no "clunk" when you try. The start button is only one possible reason, and not the most likely. Most likely is fuse.

Obviously entirely disconnect any crispy wires completely before doing anything else.

Fuses are cheap. check them first. One at a time, check, replace bad. then pull and check if it blew again, and reinsert if ok. Do the ones that go to the problem circuits first. But this car has so many multiply fuzed devices, I've had a different fuse fail from the one the manual would lead you to expect, so check them all. I have specifically had the 12V plug take out fuses that did not seem related from the owners manual fuse list (by running 12V air compressor for an extended period).

Maybe fuses will fix it. Maybe it will at least tell you which circuit to diagnose, if the fuse blows again.

Don't forget there are 3 fuse boxes. One under dash, two in engine compartment


In general the first check for almost any electrical failure that is fuse.


Gregg