i need help guys. i can't seem to figure it out. this is the second time it happend to me. when i turn the key to on there is power, but when i try to crank it it just won't crank. the starter is brand new. all the wires are on correct. whats wrong with it. it seems like its not sending signal to the starter when i turn the key. last time it happened to me i was working on the e-brake cables. then when i was done i lowered the car it it just started right up. i checked all the wires and it still don't crank. need help quick. this is the only car i have and i can't get to work without a car.

 

Do you get a click noise? Probably not...

I'd say your ignition switch might be a little dodgy. I had very similar problems. The switch part of the assembly on the opposite side to the key comes away from the barrel. So, when you turn the key nothing happens. I used to have to hold the switch against barrel and start the car... Sometimes I then couldn't turn it off (for the same reasons).

I replaced the entire ignition barrel/switch. That's an expensive option if buying new parts though (at least here in Oz), so you want to make sure that is the problem first.

If you remove the plastic column surround you should be able to confirm if this is your issue easily enough simply by snooping around the mechanism.

 

May be one of the fuseable links, I have had them burn just a little bit and be an intermitten problem.

 

An old man told me one time . go for the battery, you can fix most electrical problems with a brush and a wrench at the terminals. I was driveing his wrecker on trouble calls at that time, 1950 I think , and it proved out in 90 percent of the time,

 

Go to an autoparts store and buy a test light. Its a sharp pointy screwdriver looking thing with a light bulb inside and a wire with a alligator clip comming out the top. Connect the clip to any piece of grounded metal. Now puncture the signal wire with the pointed end while someone turns the key. Also check the big wire at the starter for constant hot.

 

if there is no signal going to the starter, does this means i have to get a new ignition?

 

no, it just means u need to check the wiring connections to the ign switch. not sure bout the 7, but my 3 has a 6 wire plug that had a bad connection in it that caused the same thing. good luck.

 

okay guy, i checked the all the wires and i still can't find the problem with my car. if i go to the wrecking yard and get a ignition from another rx-7, does it have to be the same year or can i get any one from a first gen. my 7 is a SA22C. will the fb ignition fit?

 

Be absolutely sure that you have a good ground from your battery! Bob Holton has mentioned the battery terminals. These cars are quite old, now. Ask yourself, just how good are the battery terminal cables? It's best to start there, regardless. Nothing is better than a good base-ground. Period.