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

Car won't start sometimes

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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 03:01 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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Car won't start sometimes

Ok here's the thing sometimes i can go out to my car and it cranks right up other it won't even try. Like it's not even the engine trying to turn over it's just like a clicking noise. Any idea what this could be?
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 03:08 PM
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same thing happened to me, it was the starter relay. i would really look into it because u described what happened to me 100 percent
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 03:10 PM
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Either a starter relay or the starter motor. usually not the solenoid, otherwise you'd hear the starter spinning really quickly.

I have a spare turbo 2 starter available if you need one. I might be able to ship it, but your best (and cheapest) bet is to see if local junkyards have a good one
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 03:14 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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it pisses me off cause ill go over to pick up a girl and it will run fine all the way then i get there and we are about to leave and it won't start
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 03:37 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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so i just need a new starter
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 03:43 PM
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No, a new starter relay, there is a fairly big difference.
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 12:24 AM
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Did you check your battery terminals?
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 08:24 AM
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SUPRAMAN
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ya the battery is fine. I don't know about the terminals what exactly do you mean? Where is the starter relay.
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 08:42 AM
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That is what you get for steelin my baby.


Santiago

DIE!!!!
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 10:38 AM
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actually i heard it click like that once on a friends car. and it was the solenoid
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 12:57 PM
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the starter relay is on the drives side, by the coils closest to the firewall. look in a haynes manual or a fsm, they have them labeled pretty well
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 02:42 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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alrighty ill take a look it if it ever stops raining.
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Old Jun 19, 2003 | 02:58 PM
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Check for corrosion on the battery terminals, make sure they're tight, put some dielectric grease on them.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 10:43 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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From: Jacksonville, FL
the haynes book is saying that it is the started solenoid. Starter parts are the same on a TII as a N/A right ? Cause i have an 87 n/a parts car
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 10:14 AM
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Thumbs up wont start

Check the Positive cable there is a thin cable that has a connector and it gets corroded take a look at it, cleaned real good and if you can replace the connector. it happened to me on my 87 TII.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:11 PM
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Originally posted by 1987RX7guy
That is what you get for steelin my baby.


Santiago

DIE!!!!
LOL!!! for a second there i thought it was you who had the starter problems. lol!
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:15 PM
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Look at your starter and make sure the connections there are solid also.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 04:05 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Ill check when i get off work
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 04:09 PM
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Do a search for "starter" and my user name. I had the same problem on my 7. So there is a really good writeup on all the diagnostic steps top take before you conclude that the starter assembly needs to be replaced.

you can PM with specific questions, this was a very frustrating problem for me, as it is my only car. So I know the ignition circuit fairly well.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 04:11 PM
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Originally posted by RX7withNitrous
the haynes book is saying that it is the started solenoid. Starter parts are the same on a TII as a N/A right ? Cause i have an 87 n/a parts car
If you will try to rebuild it. I think the internals are the same of the solanoid. However, the actual assembly of teh starter is not the same between a TII and N/A. They mount differently to the bellhousing.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 10:33 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Just shot you a pm we have got to fix this thing it's driving me crazy.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 10:35 PM
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Originally posted by jetfire76
LOL!!! for a second there i thought it was you who had the starter problems. lol!

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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 08:48 AM
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Using the DMM - Pull the little black connector on the starter. Check for 12v when turning the key - make sure yo get 12. If thats good, check for 12v at the relay by the trailing coil its the thicker wire (dont remember the color). Takeoff steering coloum cover - check for no loose connections.

Looked under dash, by clutch pedal, test clutch interlock - There are two switches there. Silver on the front of the pedal, and a White one on the back of the pedal. The silver is attached way up at the top in the back, and white switch is low and on the front.

I assume the white is the clutch interlock. If I hold in the plunger, and turn key, I hear the click. If I release plunger and turn key, no click. This is the switch that prevents you from starting the car without pressing in the clutch pedal under normal conditions. I just cut that switch out and wired together the ends - now I can start my car w/o pressing in the pedal. Also, that removes the switch as a possible culprit to your problem.

Also check the plugs by the engine bay fuse box. Make sure there are no metled wires in that area.

After you do all this, get back to us with results. If none of this turns up any leads. Then go to your local NAPA, Pepboys, Autozone and buy a Reman starter.

Last edited by sunshine; Jun 26, 2003 at 08:59 AM.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 07:02 PM
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SUPRAMAN
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ok i'll let you know how much are DMM's can you get those at like discount auto?
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