2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

87 won't start without turning key on and off a couple times

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Old Oct 16, 2018 | 06:18 PM
  #1  
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87 won't start without turning key on and off a couple times

As the title says, my car won't start unless I turn it on and off again a couple of times. I've assumed my starter relay is starting to die but I'm not positive.

Thanks,
Zeke
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by NordicSnow
As the title says, my car won't start unless I turn it on and off again a couple of times. I've assumed my starter relay is starting to die but I'm not positive.

Thanks,
Zeke
If you could fit some multimeter leads in you could turn the key and check for voltage.
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 10:32 AM
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Look under the clutch pedal. There is a little button that gets pushed when you use the clutch..The clutch switch. It keeps the starter from engaging when the clutch isn't on the floor. Is it broken? When my RX-7 had a problem similar to yours, that was the issue.

Common, pretty cheap, and easy to fix.
https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/8...1-66-490A.html

Last edited by Natey; Oct 17, 2018 at 10:36 AM.
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Natey
Look under the clutch pedal. There is a little button that gets pushed when you use the clutch..The clutch switch. It keeps the starter from engaging when the clutch isn't on the floor. Is it broken? When my RX-7 had a problem similar to yours, that was the issue.

Common, pretty cheap, and easy to fix.
https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/8...1-66-490A.html
Or just wire it to always closed
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 10:54 AM
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That's another option. You could hillbilly it, or fix it.
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Natey
Look under the clutch pedal. There is a little button that gets pushed when you use the clutch..The clutch switch. It keeps the starter from engaging when the clutch isn't on the floor. Is it broken? When my RX-7 had a problem similar to yours, that was the issue.

Common, pretty cheap, and easy to fix.
https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/8...1-66-490A.html
Actually, that is not the starter cut switch. This is the starter clutch switch: https://www.atkinsrotary.com/store/8...01-66-4D0.html This switch is closed when the clutch pedal is depressed.
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 12:28 PM
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That's the one. I posted the one for an FD. Thanks for clearing it up.
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 01:11 PM
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Just to be clear, OP, when you turn the ignition to on (before the start position), do all the warning lights turn on? Do you hear relays clicking on under the dash? Also, when you do turn the key to the start position, do things temporarily turn off, or does it act like you didn't turn the key to start?

Other items to consider are the ignition switch (electrical portion) not making the circuit, and lazy relays in the circuit to the starter solenoid. This, of course along with other items mentioned in other posts.
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Old Oct 17, 2018 | 11:56 PM
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Originally Posted by pfsantos
Just to be clear, OP, when you turn the ignition to on (before the start position), do all the warning lights turn on? Do you hear relays clicking on under the dash? Also, when you do turn the key to the start position, do things temporarily turn off, or does it act like you didn't turn the key to start?

Other items to consider are the ignition switch (electrical portion) not making the circuit, and lazy relays in the circuit to the starter solenoid. This, of course along with other items mentioned in other posts.
the warning lights do not come on (my cpu is not working), but the gauges come up to their default positions when i put in the key and put it to on (this works every time). Sometimes it will crank right away but other times i have to turn it on and off again a couple times before it goes.
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Old Oct 18, 2018 | 07:46 AM
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From: YYZ
OK, what about the other checks (clutch switch and checking for voltage at the starter solenoid)?
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Old Oct 18, 2018 | 10:47 AM
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From: indy
You need 1 of these --> Banzai Racing 50 Amp Starter Relay Kit

Search "click click start" issues with the fc. It's a known issue, it has to do with the voltage dropping below the threshold the starter needs.
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