QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1999 Cirrus. I just went to start it and will not start, checked fuses - all ok. When I turn ignition I have only mileage light - no radio, horn does work and lights okay. Is it the starter
ANSWER: Hi Patti,
I would take another look at 20 amp fuse #8 in the power distribution box that is near the battery under the hood. It is needed for the starter, the cluster lights, the radio. It may not be "blown" but rather have a subtle crack in the wire that is the same as a frank blowout, but this happens from fatigue. It is a very important fuse because it also runs the fuel pump. You may recall a humming sound when you first turn the key to the "run" position, coming from under the car behind you (the fuel pump is in the tank, and runs for a moment, then stops until you try the starter). If you don't hear that short hum anymore, than that too would point at fuse #8. If not that fuse, then the ignition switch which has to pass the current from fuse 8 on to all these other parts has possibly gone bad. Let me know what you learn, please.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello Roland,
After checking fuses noticed blown fuse - ign start - replaced fuse, still would not start - battery dead. Charged the battery and replaced fuse again because it blew and now ok. Thank you
AnswerHi Patti,
You are welcome. If that fuse blows again, then we will need to figure out whether it is the fuel pump or the starter motor relay/solenoid switches that are overdrawing the current on that circuit. I hope that doesn't happen but since it blew again it could very well do so again.
Roland
