Ok, so my RX is a manual.
You have to push the clutch down to start it.
Sometimes when you turn the key (all the lights come on and such) the car doesn't even crank. USually when this happens if I let it sit maybe 20 sec or so it then proceeds to try and start (usually succeeding).

What do I need to check/replace?

Anyone else have this problem before??

 

normally it's just corroded battery cables / terminals. Mebbe even a dying battery.

BUT, I have the same problem right now and thought it was my frankenstein battery and connectors - WRONG! Swapped those out and it still does it. Looks like its gonna be either the starter, battery cable connection to the starter or my ignition switch.

quick question, when it won't crank can you push start it? ~rich

 

Haven't tried to push start it. I could see it being the cables.. I just replaced the battery (because the guy I bought it from said the old one was dying). IF it's the starter or cables that shouldn't be too big a deal. I can try the whole push start thing sometime (soon maybe). You don't think it's whatever is in the clutch that makes you push the pedal to start it do you?

 

Check the little switch attached to the clutch pedal - it might not be working anymore or something might be loose.

*hugs his 86 GXL* No need for that clutch pedal starting junk

 

*hugs his manual*

no need for that do what you wanna do tranny!

:P

 

Lucky. Some eary 86/87 don't have clutch INTERLOCK switches at the VERY top of the clutch pedal.

There are two switches on the clutch pedal. The lower one IS NOT the interlock switch.

If you've checked everything else, you might want to checkout the interlock switch. They do wear out over time. You can bypass it by mating the two wires that go to it and completing the circuit without the switch itself.

 

Here, Here! I love my 86 GXL!

Maybe look at your "Main" fuse under the hood, it could be bad. Just make sure you unbolt the fuse from the sides of the fuse box. I didn't know that, therefore derstorying the old fuse sending bits of cermamics everywere. woops!