No start, turn over, etc.

[Devin]

Question: How do I inspect the clutch pedal / start interrupt?

Background: My car has always been hard to start ever since it was assembled. It starts great half the time the other times it won't start at all. When it doesn't I usually release and press the clutch a few times and then it starts right back up. I manipulate nothing else. How do I check to make sure the clutch is properly disengaging to all the car to start?

 

[doclees]

I assume it doesn't turn over at all when it doesn't start? With all your posts I'd figure you know to test the clutch cut out switch that keeps you from starting it without depressing the clutch. I believe it is the same principle as the ATX lock out when you step on the brake and shift into R or D. Maybe that is my bonneville. Anyway just find the switch that touches or attaches to the clutch peddle and inspect. Maybe just some electrical part cleaner will fix it.

 

[shoclown]

You can bypass the switch..it is like a brake light switch it either completes the circuit or it doesnt

 

[Devin]

So I tested this again and found that if I jump the contacts on the relay the car will turn over. I walk over and turn the key, nothing but a click.

I unplugged the clutch switch and used a piece of speaker wire to jump the contacts on the female end of the connector and still nothing.

So my options are at this point relay and ...? The relay is a month old, though I know that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't bad but I'm hoping to explore other options as well.

 

[ohfosho]

its going to be hard to tell whether its the neutral safety switch or the starter solenoid that is shot. you can tap the starter with a hammer, and try to start... it will usually start now.

the starter is the most likely culprit

 

[Devin]

The starter is fine. The solenoid is mounted on the body. It's a 90, so does it have a neutral safety switch?

edit: I'm an idiot.

 

[SHO GoDz 89]

X2 on the Starter. It sounds like your starter has a dead spot. This happened to me a few times, although sometimes tapping it with a hammer won't exactly help.

 

[Devin]

Thanks for the replies so far. I do realize that I've been saying "solenoid" when I should have been saying "relay". Whoops!

I am certain it is not the starter. The starter was fine when I applied power to it. The problem is that the starter is not moving when I turn the key. I'll just bite the bullet and replace the relay.

 

[Devin]

Well, I replaced the relay/switch, and found the battery was drained. It would still turn over when I jumped the relay, but I am now at 50% and still absolutely nothing. Just a single click (the one from the instrument panel) when I turn the key to On, and nothing when I turn it to start. Nothing at all. what should I be looking at?

 

[Devin]

What voltage do I need to apply to the starter relay to mimic turning the ignition?

 

[Devin]

Man, I'm surprised no one here knows how to do any of this!

Anyway, I turned the key to "On" and put 12 volts from a charger to the ignition plug on the relay and it fired right up. So either a wire is broken, the car doesn't fall for my clutch interlock "workaround" or the ignition switch/wiring is screwed.

 

[Devin]

Well, it helps to know terminology. I did a search with "ignition switch" and found a lot of useful info. I bought a new one ($20) and found that the wiring harness was completely unscrewed from the switch. Since I had a new one I replaced the OE part anyway. Starts great now. Walk through coming.

 

[ohfosho]

good to hear you got it figured out, and the part wasnt much cost

 

[Devin]

Yeah, the key was the name of the component. Once I figured that out it was fairly straight forward. Searches are useless if you don't have the correct strings.