Beretta.net

I own a 94 base beretta 3100 V6 with 116000 miles it.

This is now my backup car and I had not driven it in 4 months.
When I try to start it I hear the sound of the starter trying to start, but it never starts.
Under the hood I see the belt and alternator turning and trying to start.

I've tried three times so far until the battery was too low to try. I took the battery in and re-charged fully it with a charger each time.
The third time I charged the battery and also connected another car to it via jumper cables, still didnt start.

The gas sensor shows 1/4 full.

What do you guys think the cause could be? Could it be the starter?

I thought I'd try and get some ideas here and try before getting it towed to a garage.



thanks!

When you turn the key to "on"(not start) do you hear the fuel pump?

Money pit Beretta wrote:When you turn the key to "on"(not start) do you hear the fuel pump?

I think I did but am not sure will check this evening.

Sounds good.

If the engine is turning over and the belt is moving, then the starter isn't the problem.

Engine needs the basics:

Fuel.
Spark.
Air.

Check for fuel at the fuel rail. This is found just beside the power steering pump on the end of the fuel rail, has a black plastic cap. You can test this by 1st making sure the key is off, remove the cap. You will see what looks like a tire stem valve under the cap. 2, turn the key to "run" position, but do not crank or try to start the vehicle. You will or should hear the fuel pump kick on and make noise for approx 2 or 3 seconds then it will shut off. Once that happens, then go and push in on that stem to see if any fuel squirts out. If it does, hurray, we have fuel.

Spark is rather easy. With someone helping you, disconnect one of the spark wires at the coil pack located on the backside of the engine (easily visible just rear of the intake). Lay the wire near the post you remove it from. Do NOT attempt to hold it! While watching from a safe point, have someone attempt to crank the engine briefly. You should see sparking as it jumps from the pole to the nearest ground or the wire, whichever is closer. If sparking, then its working.

Air is the least likely, but pull your air filter, make sure a mouse didn't decide to build a nest in your airbox or intake. It happens.

Outside of this, the computer controls most of these things, so if the basics aren't working, then its time for more troubleshooting, and a shop may be better equipped to help. Good luck.

Will test the things you pointed out.
thanks.

sounds like he's saying the engine is turning over, but maybe not quick enough to fire... if this is the case ( a slow crank), the old battery likely has a bad cell, and it doesnt matter if you boast it with that battery still in the mix, things won't get much better... try starting the vehicle without that battery in it but jumped to the other car's battery. that will rule that out for sure.

I've decided to sell my beloved car after having it for 11 years.
If anyone here is interested in towing it away please message me. ($1000 obo, zip 76155)
It will be donated to the make a wish charity next week.

Sorry to hear it. Did you ever find out what the problem was?