Hello,

Twice in the past week, my 87 NA has failed to turn over when I turn the key to the start position. All the idiot lights come on when I turn on the ignition, but DO NOT DIM when I turn the key to the start position. Nor is there any "clicking," like you might get with a bad relay or starter solenoid.

But if I wait a bit and try again, it will start normally without any fuss.

My theories are:

--possible sticking ignition switch, doesn't always engage the "start" contacts.

--possible sticking clutch switch, doesn't close when the clutch is depresssed.

Any comments or other ideas? thanks.

Graham

 

I would go with ignition i had a problem with mine one time but it eventualy worked itself out you can take off the ignition column and then see if you touch the green and red together (yes its hotwiring the car) and if it works then it is your ignition...just an idea i really dont like messing with ignitions

 

i would lean towards the starter solenoid it self being stuck intermitinatly

 

Sounds like a bad clutch switch to me. There are two clutch switches - one is easy to see, and the clutch stop rests against it, and the other is way up high in there. The up high one is the starter disable. Unplug the connector and jumper it with a wire - that disables the switch.

BTW, the '86s didn't have the clutch disable switch. Which is the way it should be, but Mazda has to protect themselves from dumb people .

And, yes, I have moved my car with the starter before - had to get it into the garage with no one around to help push. It's not a good idea, but I didn't care about the starter or battery .

Dale

 

the clutch switch that keeps the car from starting is the bottom one, it is a us only item. i like the ignition switch better, usually with the clutch switch bad it will click, your getting nothing, like you hadn't turned the key, right?

mike

 

Bzzt - the top switch is the starter disable, the bottom switch is the clutch input for the cruise control and ECU.

Dale