I have an 82 GSL and she won't turn over! Have a new battery with plenty of charge. Starter has been tested and is working fine. Checked and the positive/negative wires at battery/engine/strut tower as well.

When I turn the ignition all the lights on the dash stay bright, even with the headlights on.

Checked the voltage at the starte with the key on = 8.84 and when cranking the engine = 12.26.

Not sure what else to check. Could there be some kind of ground somewhere that I'm missing?

Also, I've been having some trouble with my turn signals. Sometimes they flash normally when they are engaged, other times they don't?!?! Is this another grounding problem??? I don't think there is a flasher unit in an 82. Am I wrong?

Almost forgot. Coils etc., are all recieving power when key is in ignition.

 

The ignition problem could be the ignition switch- something that I've recently had the pleasure of dealing with lately. I removed the plastic collar from the steering wheel, and I turn the key, hold it in start position, and press on a contact on the rear of the switch with my left thumb. The contact is actually the easiest one to press on.

Just a possibility. Others include ignition relay, main fusable link, and a faulty grounding to the engine. There's alao a fusable link hooked to the starter solenoid contact.

I do know that those starter contacts really need to be nice and clean to get a good healthy dose of juice. But usually if they are yucky, it does dim the lights when you try to start it.

 

Here's what Sterling is talking about...

Ignition Switch fiasco thread

 

is the ignition switch wire connected at the starter? the connector is on top of the solenoid, kinda hard to see from under the car. it comes off kinda easily, ive had problems with it before.

 

Thanks for the info. guys! Will check the switch tomorrow, but do you think that this could be my problem? I only ask this because the starter seems to be getting 12+ volts when I turn the key (although the voltage rises gradually from 8.84-12.26......).

Mar3,

thanks for the link to: "Ignition Switch fiasco thread". unfortunately I none of the pictures seem to be loading?!

Sterling,

Where is the ignition relay? I have an 82 and there is: the main fusible link (brown) box on the strut tower, a fusible link under the dash from the ignition, but no fusible link to the starter solenoid (that I can see).

The_7,

Removed the starter from under the car, and have it hooked up, but in the engine bay (so I can take voltage readings etc.). Little tab is secure and wire is intact.

 

If you turn the key and nothing happens at all (no sound, no crank) then it sounds like a starter problem to me. Fluctuating turn signals could mean a bad ground. Check the bulbs and the connections. Eliminate the easiest cause of problems first.

 

A lot of the older threads are losing their pics for some reason and that one was a victim....here are the missing pics, since it will be a bit before they are restored to the original thread...

 

I believe the relay is right in the drivers side/firewall corner under the hood. I think it's the metal covered one.

 

Once again you guys have proven that you are indeed thee RX-7 Gurus!!!!

I replaced the ignition switch a couple of years ago, and had broken the plastic clip that helps to keep it secure. Used some twist ties 'a-la-mar3's Ignition switch fiasco thread' and voila!!!! Starter-Action!!!!!

P.s. thanks for attatching the photos.

Got her un-flooded with some ATF, and she fired right up!!!

Just a little more body work (I'm re-doing the floorboards, etc.) and I will be roooll'in, roooll'in, roooll'in!!!!!

Thanks again for all the info guys!!!!!!

Xman.