It’s a 1989 dl, standard shifter. It won’t start and does not even turn over.
OK, so it was freezen cold and the battery was a few years old. Got a new one.
Had starter tested and it was fried. Replaced that.
Still, no turnover. Tried the ol’ screwdriver on the starter trick and got a pronounced zzzzzzzzzzzzzzttttttttttttt, but it didn’t move the engine.
I have investigated both my Bently Manual and the FAQ, but got no leads.
What else could it be? Ignition? Can I test that?
I have a multimeter, but am not totally versed with it.

Please help me in dealing with this frustration, and thanks.

Yes, I forgot to mention that it starts with a push and popping the clutch. Even runs pretty good. It just won't turn over with the new starter. when I try to jump the starter with a screwdriver I can hear the solinoid buzzing, but the engine does not turn over.
I tried the yellow/solinoid wire in every position. Nothing.

Is the small blue/yellow wire on the outside terminal of the solenoid? Dan

Try turning the engine over by hand to see if anything is jammed and preventing the starter from turning it.

As it is a standard, you could try push starting it. If it starts then you know the problem is localized to the starting circuit.

Without the engine running, check that the battery has 12v. (After it is running you can check to see if the alternator is putting out >13.5v.)

Starters draw a lot of amps so make sure the thick red wire connections are tight.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb but electronic ignition and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.

Yes - try rotate engine manually. You want to know the engine is not seized.
Use a 24 mm. socket on the main lower crank pulley bolt, clockwise. That's the crankshaft's front bolt.

Usually a 24 mm. socket will be 1/2" and so you'll use a breaker bar. But I'd think that even a 3/8" ratchet handle would turn it as long as engine is not seized. You can just get the socket in there with the fan and shroud in place, and can turn it a few degrees before you run out of working room.

Disable your ignition first just to make sure the engine doesn't start on you. Remove key and/or remove the 25A fuse in white holder to rear of battery on the fender wall.
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Sven: '89 245 NA, 951 ECU, expanded air dam, forward belly pan reaches oem belly pan, airbox heater upgraded, E-fan, 205/65-15 at 50 psi, IPD sways, no a/c-p/s belt, E-Codes, amber front corner reflectors, aero front face, quad horns, tach, small clock.

Pull your spark plugs and try turning it by hand off the front pulley. That lets off the compression and allows you to see if anything like water comes pouring out.

You do not want to try and push start it until you know that it is not locked up. By Dear Old Dad had a Toyota Pickup that just had the battery replaced. He was up in the country and it would not start, just heard the starter Click. Had a buddy pull him with a sling up to about 10 MPH and when he popped the clutch the rear tires locked up and his hood came flying up with this loud noise. That was because a chunk of the head broke loose came out the valve cover and hit the hood. The piston was also bent from trying to compress the water from the bad head gasket. So just to be safe, know that it is not locked up before you try to push start it.

Good Luck,

Paul

Is your oil level?

OK, you have a new starter and a new battery - correct?

1st, check all of the conections: terminals on battery, at starter, ground at body and engine from battery. Clean them all.

If you have replacement battery clamps, check the connection to the clamp. Check the cables.

Then try your screwdriver test. if you're sure you're hitting the correct connections, I'd suspect a bad starter.

Basic stuff I know but these things are often the problem for me.
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85-92 240s/ 245s - parts cars & drivers

I agree that it could be a bad starter. I purchased a reman'd alternator from O'Reilly. After driving for 30 minutes, the battery would die. It tested fine. Eventually, we let it run for 30 mintutes with a meter on it and the voltage dropped.

"Screws fall out all the time. The world's an imperfect place."
-John Bender, "The Breakfast Club"

Trey
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1993 Volvo 240 219,000 miles