Classic case of a bad ignition switch?
 

Ok, so the last time I drove my car it ran completely and totally fine, and has NEVER (and I mean never) given me even the slightest hint of a starting problem...That being said, onto the issue...

I turn the car to the start position, all dash lights dim, and I get nothing. I have 12.5v at the battery and bright headlights with the car off. I've verified that my clutch switch is working through the SW monitor in the PFC commander, along with my neutral switch (not sure that would matter).

Every single fuse underneath the dash is good, and I've verified continuity at every fuse under the hood. I also swapped the EGI and Circuit relays just to see if that'd make a difference. Not that it matters because the car's not even cranking, but I can hear the fuel pump (and fuel pump relay) engage just fine.

Lastly, I checked for a reference voltage at the signal wire of the starter while a friend tried cranking the car....Nada, zip, totally dead as a doornail, so that tells me SOMEWHERE in the circuit there is a break and no voltage is getting to the starter.

I have never had a bad ignition switch before. Is this a classic case of a dead ignition switch? :dunno: It would have to be just that ONE position in the switch that's bad, since I get my accessories just fine at ACC, and even when I turn the switch to the START position everything goes out and I hear relays clicking.

What else would you gurus suggest I check before I order an ign switch from Malloy Mazda? Thanks for the help! :)

My car is doing the same thing... I thought it was related to the heat on the starter, but its been doing it on cold starts... I just giggle the ignition and that usually alows it to start haha, when I get time im am going to take apart the dash and try and figure out whats causing it.

Yeah, this was on a cold start. I tried tapping/jiggling the keys to see if I could make intermittent contact, but no luck. :( I must have tried starting it 50 times, and the car didn't make a single attempt to crank...Really strange since EVERY time I've turned the key since I've owned the car (over 4 years) it has ALWAYS started....

My dad had made a really good point to me the other day, the key could be warn out and not making a good contact and not letting the car start.... idk if its worth testing lol

Tom it's easy enough to pull the ignition switch out and check it. I've got a 626 switch sitting around here somewhere that would allow you to test it out. I ended up getting a new switch from Rockauto.

Thanks Dave. :) Cliff got it figured out, as I was given some false information about the clutch switch/switches. I was told there was only 1 (as you know there are 2), and sure enough the one that the PFC monitors is NOT the one used to close the circuit on the starter.

The small plastic button which presses the important switch thus completing the circuit had broke, and fallen out. Cliff machined me a new one, we put it in, and I'm back in business. :D Thanks Cliff!!

Can you take a pic for me? I may have to have the same thing done.

Absolutely, but I'm at work right now, and afterward I need to go work on my father-in-law's brother's vehicle. I'm not exactly sure what time I'll make it home tonight, but I'll definitely get a pic for you! :icon_tup:

:D w/e works for me hehe working 60 hour weeks from home so lol not like im going anywear soon. TY very much

I have had both of those problems. Usually you can jiggle the column mount or keys and you will get some flickering. Glad you found it . G

Thanks man! :) Yeah I'm glad my ign switch wasn't bad. I knew it had to be something stupid, since it's NEVER given me any intermittent problems starting. I'll see if I can go take a pic of the piece Cliff machined for me soon.

hey dude sorry to be off topic.

I have read you were using super ra seals.

How are they? Did they score your housings? You can pm me if you like,

Vacuum is great so far...but I haven't exactly pulled my motor apart to examine the scoring. :P So far compression is great! :icon_tup:

Would a bad ignition switch cause the key to not shut the car off but accessories?