Just get the infamous "click", and motor won't start. Could anyone direct me to info on how to break down the ignition switch once it's out of the steering column? The Miata teardown doesn't look like my '94 switch -- although the pictures are not that clear.
Any info would be appreciated because it now sets in the garage going nowhere!

 

Have you tried the other checks first or do you know for a fact it is the ignition switch?

 

Look at the fuses, could be a almost dead battery. Same thing happened with mine. Replaced some fuses and had to get a new battery then it fired right up!

 

If you are hearing a click then presumably you are getting current to the starter solenoid - which means that the ignition switch is working.

 

check your clutch switch under the clutch pedal.

 

As soon as you can hear a clicking sound from your starter, this means that pin 50 gets battery positive from the ignition switch, the click also means that the ground of the starter motor is correct. Because what you are hearing is a current engaging the starter motor solenoid.

On all starter motors the solenoid ensures a heavy duty contact is made within the starter motor, getting battery positive to the starter bit of the starter motor. Which in turn should engage the starter into the flywheel and start ticking the engine over.

Usually just a clicking sound means a dead battery, easily checked by having a multimeter on the battery terminals and check the battery voltage whilst starting, when the measured voltage is lower than 9.5-10V your battery is dead.

Second measurement you can do is measure between the big positive terminal on the starter motor and ground during starting, again this should exceed 9.5-10V.
Hereby checking for continuity of the wiring during load!!!

If the above are okey, your starter motor has passed on...

 

Thanks guys! I'm in the process of checking, but have so little time to do it. I appreciate all the info -- if any one has any other ideas I'd like to see/hear them.

 

The Body Electric manual in the stickies has a diagnostic procedure. Also there are many threads on this topic.

 

I love this car but it is a pain in the *** sometimes -- how come you can't have your cake and eat it too????