for a long time every once in awhile my wipers wouldnt work when i started my car, but i noticed if i turned them on be4 i started it they would work.. same deal with heater and ac (logicon?), and then i figured out that if i started my car and didnt wanna turn it off and start it again (for fear of flooding).. i could move my key almost to the position i shut my car off but not quite.. and then back into normal position and then everything would come on.. any suggestions on what the problem is?

 

rx7's have bad electric solder connections. you need to remove the wiper switch and heater controls and resolder the back. if you don't know what you are doing don't try. I'm sure you can find someone who does.

 

http://www.k2rd.com will fix your logicon for a good price. http://www.fc3s.org is doing the wiper switches.

 

I had EXACTLY the same problem on my 1988 SE. When the wipers didn't work, neither would any of the heat/AC controls, nor the sunroof. I finally realized that the problem is in the ignition switch. When you turn the key to the "on" position, (just before the starter position) you should hear a click as a relay comes alive somewhere behind the dash. If it does, you'll notice that a little orange light on the logicon's vent-postion-indicator will also come on. If it doesn't, turn the key back towards "off" just a little bit, and you should hear that relay click on, along with the logicon's light. I may replace the ignition switch on mine, ($80) or maybe try cleaning the inside of it with WD-40,(out of the car, of course) but for the time being, it's just easier to start the car, and if that relay doesn't click on, I just wait until the car is warm (so as not to risk the cold no-start that these cars are famous for) and then I gently turn the key back until that relay kicks in and that orange light come on.
Works EVERY time.

 

If it was just the wiper switch, then I'd agree with repair or replacement as failing wiper switch modules are cronic issues with 2nd Gens.

However, you're describing other things not working powered by the same circuit as the wiper module. So, I'm sure its in the ignition switch unit. Since you can make it all work by giggling the key, you have a dirty switch contact. As long as you take your time and be careful, you can simpy pop out the unit from the back, take a thin file and clean the contact points. Re-assemble and you're good for months to years of proper operatin.

Alternatively, you might simply have a bad soldier joint. You can access those by simply dropping the plastic casing around the steering column. Resoldier anything that looks suspicious, and you should be good.

Keep the 7 on the road!!