I've had the FD parked in the garage for 2 weeks before attempting to start it. I've never had a startup problem that wasn't related to flooding, so I figured I'm overdue for this one.

No modifications had been made during this period.

I tested the battery, 12.7V. I keep it disconnected in the event I have to leave it there for a few weeks. I checked for corrosion.

I tested the starter by tapping the terminals against the battery, it spins without effort.

I ordered another solenoid from O'Reilly parts (for an FD) and got the exact same one as DamonB did. I suppose their inventory system has the FD using an FC solenoid.

A reference to the thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/how-fix-your-starter-its-solenoid-547097/

I tested and replaced the starter solenoid. The old one seems to work intermittently, but it was still functional.

I tested the voltage against the starter/solenoid terminals and I get all 12.7 volts to the unit.

After putting everything together, I still get no crank. Just a click-click sound.

The lights turn on bright. I can hear the fuel pump, and the starter is getting power, but neither solenoid will move when I turn the key.

I figure there's something going on (or not actually) somewhere between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid, but I don't know how to track it down.

Suggestions?

 

Hmm I think this is electrical related. I'm gonna do a little research.

 

I found the problem a few days after I started this thread and discovered a few things:

Apparently, the clutch closes two switches when depressed:

- Clutch switch (for the ECU/Console/Computer2)
- Interlock switch (for the starter)

The latter is a button that is pushed in when a bracket connected to the clutch pedal comes down. A piece on this bracket fills a hole, but if it breaks off (as did mine), the bracket simply misses the button and never pushes it down. This is why I wasn't getting any power to the starter solenoid.