I have a 1988 RX7 5 speed convertible, non-turbo. The car was running when parked set for several years I put a brand new battery in it and I was getting no lights or nothing. I replace a small 7.5 fuse and the main fuse 80amp (they were blown) and then I have a few lights come on very faintly , but when I would try crank it over, I would hear a very small, faint click nothing would happen and all the lights would cut off. I added a ground wire in between the alternator bracket and block and realized the antenna fuse was missing I replace that and now I have a lot of the lights on the dash and the volt, fuel gauge, shift up and windows windshield wipers pop up headlights and ac is all working but the stereo flashers inside overhead cab lights horn etc are not, but when I go to start the car(still not turning over), the faint click. I’m hearing is a lot louder now , and all the lights are staying on I tested the starter solenoid for continuity and I’m new to electronics/electrical but the negative point and the slide on clip have continuity, but not the positive so I’m assuming I need a new starter solenoid right? But what about the other things not turning on?

 

These cars are old. The main power and ground cables are probably corroded and probably should be replaced.

Starter should have constant 12v via the large diameter cable at the starter. The slip-on connector at the starter should not have voltage when the key is in any position other than “crank”. When the key is in the crank position, the small slip-on connector should have ~12v to activate the solenoid.

the starter can be removed and bench tested at a auto parts store, and can help narrow down if the issue is your cars wiring being corroded and/or a bad starter solenoid. Even the small slip on connector wire at the starter solenoid may have too much resistance. I’ve noticed more constant starts when rewiring the small solenoid wire.

The fuse being blown is a red flag and should be investigated unless it’s just fine now for some reason.

Time to learn electrical, these cars are just getting older. And I’m guessing you’ve rotated the engine by hand first.

Rx7 foxed full service manuals