Having issues recently with getting the car to start. Lights come on (including headlights, no fading when I turn the key) but no click, whine or screech... nothing, no sound whatsoever when I'm turning my key in the ignition. A few ideas spring to mind when this occurs, bad starter, bad starter solenoid (whatever tf that is), bad ignition switch, or lastly the dreaded PURGE VALVE. I think it could be the purge valve because I've filled the tank on my CV full before and immediately after completing my fill up the car would sometimes not start. After persistent and literal bouncing of my vehicle from side to side to get some of the fuel to slosh around in the tank the car would start. Any useful advice and recommendations are appreciated!

 

Hi Hayden,
We sure have some problems here.
Generally speaking, when you are placing fuel into the tank a vent valve is supposed to allow the air that the entering fuel is displacing to go to the charcoal canister where the vapors are stored until certain conditions are met,where the purge valve now opens and the vapors from the canister are sucked into the intake and burned.That way just about all hydrocarbons are contained and burned without permitting any to vent to the atmosphere. I'm sorry to say the purge valve should have nothing to do with the starting system from doing it's job. If it is sticking open , yes , it can allow excess vapors to get into the intake and cause starting problems, but the engine still is able to crank over to fire up and start.running.
There is a good possibility the vehicle has more than one problem.
One involving the fuel/emission system and the other involving the starting system. Both, however, could have electrical problems ,but not likely related.
I gather you are having someone else do the work on your vehicle. If they are aware of how the systems work ,they should be able to find the cause for both and correct them , if you so desire. What do you think?

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply Hanky. On that note what do you think is wrong with the fuel/emissions system to cause my start to not engage whatsoever?

 

They are not related and an emission problem should not prevent the starter from working.
Both depend on electric power to work properly.
They need to be checked out individually, that is why I suspect 2 different problems. The starter system requires battery power and the emission valves are electrically controlled. As long as the vehicle runs and the conditions are met including good electrical connections to the valves in the emission system, valves being good , they should work
They are completely separate from the starting system.

 

What do you think might be going on with either system?

 

Suppose we take one thing at a time.
Your vehicle should be using a coded key.
If you have a 2nd key try that. The security system will prevent the starter from operating if there is any problem with the key.
What does the theft lamp do when the vehicle will not start?

 

Starts just fine with spare key and the theft lamp illuminates when I energize my battery via turning the key in the ignition and stays lit as I turn my key to start the car.

 

If it starts fine with the spare key, but not with the other key, there is a problem with the key. (Lost or altered code on key).

You need at least 2 working keys to program any addl keys yourself.
If you don't have 2 working keys, you need to have a dealer, locksmith or person with key coding equip make another key or 2 . If you decide to ignore the suggestion, if anything happens to your only key , it could mean a towing charge, plus the cost of having addl keys made.