FD_James

iTrader: (9)

I have a new and bizarre issue that has turned up indicating a short of some kind in my front harness. When I turn the key to the ON position the start cranks. Obviously this shouldn't happen. I did do a re-wrap and re-install of my engine harness but these two harness's aren't really related. Here are the troubleshooting steps I have taken so far:

• Replaced the ignition switch
• Checked both the Main Relay and Circuit Opening Relay - both are good
• Checked the Start Pole and the IG1 pole for continuity - I have it - and I shouldn't so I already know current is being back-fed from somewhere
• Disconnected most of the engine harness including at the ECU - I have left connections to solenoids connected because they are stand-alone but there are no long any routes between the ECU, engine harness, and the front harness that I am aware of.

This is RHD R1 version of the car - imported from Japan - none of the manuals I have are much good because the wiring colours are all different and, for example, I cannot find any mention of the starter-cut relay - doesn't seem to exist on this car.

Has anyone seen this issue OR does anyone know where I should start looking - There must be some cross-over points. Seems highly unlikely that it's a chaffed wire.

AE_Racer

iTrader: (1)

Early JDM cars do not have a clutch interlock switch. The manuals are out there. I'll see if I can upload or pm you a link.

FD_James

iTrader: (9)

Just bumping this - has anyone had this happen? I still can't solve it.

Thanks a lot!

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

I had something similar on my FC a long time back. The main power wire to the starter was touching the small terminal on the starter and it would crank as soon as I hooked up the battery.

First step is to disconnect the small wire on the starter - that's the wire that gives the starter the "go" signal to start cranking when you have the key at Start. Verify that key on you have no cranking and start you have no cranking.

Then get a meter on that wire and see when it gets 12v. You'll have to trace that wire and see what's going on. It could be a damaged wire that's touching a 12v switched source or something.

Dale

alexdimen

iTrader: (13)

Could also be the starter itself. The solenoid and actuator can get sticky or the fork that moves the gear forward and back can break so that it only engages it but won't retract it.

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

i had a friend with some starter issues. the difference was his starter wouldnt stop spinning. it ended up being that he rubbed through the harness in the fender above the wheels. some of the wires were touching and causing it. he made the repairs and the problem went away.

FD_James

iTrader: (9)

Thanks Dale - I've already checked where the solenoid remote connects to the starter. I've also verified that voltage is being back-fed to the ON switched power right to the ignition. I'm trying to find out "why". It could be a chaffed wire as you say but those wires run under the fenders and front bumper cover - hard to get to and seemingly strange that there would suddenly be an issue right around the time of my other issues - I did just remove and reinstall the engine harness. Well - a year ago which makes it hard to remember exactly what I did lol! I just realized that I forgot to disconnect one part of the harness where it ties into the dash, engine harness, and I think front harness - I suspect that once I separate that connector my issue will resolve - of course then the car won't start for all of the obvious reasons. I may have to pull the harness again - I have a sneaking suspicion I saw a wire I thought needed to be tied in and that's my issue - has to be something associated with the somewhat recent changes I made - wish my memory served me a bit better - I hate pulling the harness.....

FD_James

iTrader: (9)

I'm going to look at this too as I have larger wheels and the profile of the current tires (soon to be replaced) are a bit too big - I had to roll the fenders to accommodate and it is definitely possible that they have been hitting the liners - maybe I will check this first since it's a hell of a lot easier than pulling the engine harness yet again!

DaleClark

iTrader: (55)

It's not going to be on the engine harness, that doesn't have any of that wiring in it. Start with the driver's side (well, US LHD driver's side) and jack up the car and remove that wheel. You can typically see pretty quickly if the tire ate through the fender liner and into the harness.

If so, pull the liner off and repair the damaged wires. Zip tie them up higher so the wheel can't contact them.

Dale

FD_James

iTrader: (9)

Thought I'd update this thread since I finally got around to fixing this issue the other day. Turns out I'm an idiot - no surprise there. When I put the harness back in I made an error with my tranny connections. Because my car is previously an Auto - I had to run some additional wire to keep functionality for clutch safety/in gear etc. I connected the wrong wires at the transmission in a hurry and created a loop which provided power back to the ignition switch. Thanks to all those who provided help

cr-rex

iTrader: (114)

Nice... thank you for coming back to share the solution. Most don't and these threads become useless