So I get in my car this morning and it wouldnt start, gay. I just got home from work and started to try and figure it out. Started at the clutch switch...

Jumped the clutch switch conn.-nothing
Checked continuity at clutch switch with clutch to the floor-got it
Clutch normal position-no continuity
Starter is getting 12v
Black/white starter solenoid wire w/ key to start-nothing

So the soleniod isnt getting power. I checked all the fuses under the hood and in the panel and they all check out.

I tried to follow the wire but it dumps into the harness and is gone. Looking at the Haynes manual it seem that the black/white soleniod wire goes from the starter right to the ECU. Is this correct. Anyone else got an idea?

 

The car also ran fine yesterday.

 

Looking at the haynes again it seems there is a "starter cut relay" in the circuit as well. Where is this located?

 

Starter cut relay is only for those cars with factory alarm. If you don't have the alarm there is a blue plug that is part of the starting circuit located nearby the main relay. The wire that leads to the blue plug from the interlock switch, if equipped, is Black/Green which is then jumpered to the Black/White wire in the blue plug which eventually connects to the starter solenoid via another connector.

When you turn the key to on do the wipers and turn signals work? If it does then voltage from the engine fuse box is making its way to the ignition switch. If these items don't work then there is no power at the ignition switch or there is power but it is not making its way to the proper wire(s) within the ignition switch.

EDIT: With key to start, the Black/Red wire that feeds into the interlock switch would have battery voltage if the ignition switch has power and was also working properly (for the most part).

If you do have the factory alarm, the blue plug that is part of the starting circuit would be connected to the bottom of the starter cut relay.

 

All the gauges and radio and stuff comes one. So I should have 12v at the clutch switch. Ill check that.

 

Yes. The voltage in the starting circuit goes from the Black wire of the ignition switch to another wire at the ignition switch which is B/R with key to start and this B/R wire goes to the interlock switch.

 

My clutch switch wires are black/white and yellow blue. I do see another connector with a black/red wire which is thicker gauge right next to the clutch switch but its impossible for me to hit the clutch, turn the key and still hold the probes of the meter. Im gonna buy a test light tomm and have my beautiful assistant (aka girlfriend ) work the key.

 

Your looking at the clutch's cruise control switch. The interlock switch, if the car has one, would be at the very top of that clutch pedal. Don't be surprised to not see one. Some cars don't have one.

Key to ON..............do your turn signals work? Wipers work? Gauges work? Matters.

I'd never waste money on a test light. I'd buy a five dollar digiatl meter from Harbour Freight before I did that.

 

You can backprobe the B/R wire with the meters red lead freeing up one hand and use the bolt that fastens the center console to the body as a ground (black lead) and this is close to the ignition switch so turn the key with one hand and the second hand taking care of the grounding.

 

I have a nice multimeter, but it often requires using 2 hands. I need a cheap test light. So this whole time Ive been testing the cruise switch. I didnt know I had that.

Yes all gauges, radio and other stuff work.

I actually dug up and old thread from Hailers from 06 that talks about the cut relay and this blue plug that satch was talkin about. Ill roll the car in the garage tomm. and get a better look at it.

Ill let you guys know. Thanks.

 

The B/R wire will have voltage w/key to start. It is not necessary to press the clutch to check for voltage on this wire.

 

The switch with b/y and y/l is duel function. Cuts the cruise control if engaged and also when depressed lets the ECU know your ..........engaging the clutch and going for a drive.

 

So I have 12v at black/red at the clutch switch. Where's it go from there?

 

W/key to start and the clutch depressed there should be voltage on the Black/Green wire in the interlock switch. Lastly, it is the "interlock switch" and not the clutch switch.

 

Well it was the starter cut relay. I made a jumper wire and its starting fine. The car had an alarm at some point (before I owned it) but there is no alarm computer in the car. Its just wierd to me that all of a sudden the relay fails. Anyway it works. Satch, Hailers, thanks again guys, I owe you guys a beer next time your in the Providence area.

 

Normally, the starter cut relay would need a ground signal from the alarm unit to work properly so your circumstance is strange to say the least. Perhaps the LG/Y wire was grounded previously and became loose or something. I gather you jumpered B/G to B/W? Anyway, good deal!