88barnfind

I recently purchased a barn-find 88 SE model that has been in storage since 2003. I am having issues with the ignition, namely the starter does not engage with the key. The PO installed a switch for the fuel pump, which I'm assuming is there to deal with flooding issues that I've read about, but I'm not sure what's up with the ignition. I see that there's a clutch switch, and the theft deterrent system, that could be preventing signal from the switch getting to the starter. I did unplug the starter relay and jump power directly to the starter, and it cranked right over, so I'm pretty confident the issue is in between. My question is, should I be checking anything else in the circuit that would keep it from turning over? And, if I cut the wire from the theft deterrent to the starter relay, will I affect any other systems? Thanks in advance!

satch

iTrader: (1)

Is the alarm system factory? If so, you need to locate the starter cut relay which is located next to the main relay which is near the trailing coil. The starter relay has but one plug which has 4 wires. With the key to start and the clutch depressed the thick Black/Green wire at this relay should have voltage. If it does not then the interlock switch, used to prevent the car from being started unless the clutch is depressed, is likely problematic. There are two B/G wires at the relay and focus on the thicker of these two wires.

88barnfind

Thanks, satch! That will be this weekend's fun I believe. I'll let you know how it goes!

satch

iTrader: (1)

If the B/G wire tests out properly then the issue is likely the alarm. At the starter relay you would then jumper the thick B/G wire to the Black/White wire which runs to the starter solenoid thus bypassing the relay.

If the B/G wire does not have voltage as required then you need to check out the interlock switch. It's located at the very top of the clutch area and is mounted against the fire wall. It has a plug connecting to the front harness and has two wires, one being B/G (already mentioned) and a Black/Red wire which comes from the ignition switch. W/key to start you would check the B/R wire for voltage. If it does not have voltage then the issue now centers on the ignition switch. On the other hand, if the B/R wire does have voltage then the interlock switch is not allowing the voltage to pass through it to the B/G wire. The switch could be bypassed by jumpering the B/R wire to the B/G wire.

link depicting the interlock: https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generati...switch-587144/

88barnfind

Hey, satch, it was the clutch switch. Jumpered it and she kicked right over. I'll leave it that way for now, til I go over the rest of the car. Just glad it wasn't something more complicated haha. Thanks for your input!