1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

if its not the battery, alternator, or starter what could it be?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-31-09, 04:53 PM
  #1  
Almost not rotarded

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
JoeNoble's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Troy, Missouri
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
if its not the battery, alternator, or starter what could it be?

k so i got the s5 alt and got it put in and wired up and it still won't start even when i tried to jump it so i took the starter off and had it tested and its fine. so what else could it be? when i turn the key everything comes on inside the car but when i go to start it it doesn't even so much as make a sound. anybody got any ideas?
Old 12-31-09, 05:28 PM
  #2  
add to cart

 
Manntis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Saskatoon, SK & Montreal, PQ
Posts: 4,180
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by JoeNoble
k so i got the s5 alt and got it put in and wired up and it still won't start even when i tried to jump it so i took the starter off and had it tested and its fine. so what else could it be? when i turn the key everything comes on inside the car but when i go to start it it doesn't even so much as make a sound. anybody got any ideas?
You're in Missouri, so I think it's safe to rule out stupid-cold winter weather...

Because the engine won't crank, the alternator isn't likely a problem. Starting is a battery thing, keeping it going is an alternator thing.

How many volts are you getting? When the battery is weak, the interior lights and gauges will still light up but the engine will turn over slowly or not at all.

You say it 'still won't start' - what were the conditions that caused it to not start before? Was the battery constantly draining / not holding charge?
Old 12-31-09, 05:45 PM
  #3  
Almost not rotarded

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
JoeNoble's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Troy, Missouri
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
oh its definitely cold here but when the problem started it was still warm it just stopped starting. we were in town and had just picked up a puppy for our kids and stopped at my wife's friend's dog grooming shop to have her look him over and when we went to leave it wouldn't start. k ill have the battery tested tomorrow but if the battery is fine what should i check next? the ignition switch?
Old 12-31-09, 05:52 PM
  #4  
Old Fart Young at Heart

iTrader: (6)
 
trochoid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: St Joe MO
Posts: 15,145
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 7 Posts
Cold weather, eh, it's 15* and will get to 4* overnight. Does the starter even click? If not, check the ign wire going to it. If it does click, check the battery cables, clean both ends of each and their mating surfaces. For some reason, rotaries don't like to jump start, never had figured out why. If the battery is down, charge it or install a fresh one. If all that fails, time to look at the ignition switch.

While you have the cables loose for cleaning, it wouldn't hurt to ohm them. If they don't meet specs, replace them.
Old 12-31-09, 06:12 PM
  #5  
Rotary Freak

 
nick1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Kitchener, Ont. Canada
Posts: 1,901
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
check the battery to starter positive cable..

that has failed for me on at least 2 rx7s
Old 12-31-09, 07:47 PM
  #6  
Post Pimp

iTrader: (1)
 
©ØÐËߣüË's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Spokane valley, Washington
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just had kind of the same problem with my starter, Ended up being the solenoid (sp). The wire had a bad end on it, so I changed it and seems to work fine now. the wire looked ok it just not making a good connection.

Might help ya
Old 12-31-09, 08:07 PM
  #7  
Almost not rotarded

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
JoeNoble's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Troy, Missouri
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
yeah i was thinkin it might be the solenoid. i know the wire from the battery is good cuz im a dumb *** and forgot to disconnect the battery before i started and my wrench tapped the tranny. which wire is the ignition wire?
Old 12-31-09, 09:30 PM
  #8  
Moderator

iTrader: (2)
 
rxtasy3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Posts: 9,320
Likes: 0
Received 258 Likes on 239 Posts
he means the small wire that connects to the starter solenoid. this wire has +12v with the switch in the "start" position. it energizes the solenoid pushing the bendix out into the ring gear of the flywheel. without this wire connected, nothing happens when the switch is turned to start.
Old 12-31-09, 10:25 PM
  #9  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
codytheoutlaw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: lewisburg tennessee
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That wire came off my car the day i bought it. The spade connector just came unconnected from the starter because of the vibrations.
Old 12-31-09, 11:05 PM
  #10  
Almost not rotarded

Thread Starter
iTrader: (6)
 
JoeNoble's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Troy, Missouri
Posts: 961
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
k ill have to have my wife turn the key while i test it. ill let you guys know how that goes. thanks
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
7
09-18-15 07:13 PM
The1Sun
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
09-15-15 04:45 PM
Monsterbox
Adaptronic Engine Mgmt - AUS
5
09-11-15 03:29 PM
The1Sun
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
0
09-07-15 10:21 PM



Quick Reply: if its not the battery, alternator, or starter what could it be?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:19 PM.