3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

gremlin in electrical starter circuit? Ideas?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-07-18, 04:31 PM
  #1  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
cardmarc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dallas/Denton, TX
Posts: 130
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
TX gremlin in electrical starter circuit? Ideas?

All, thought my battery was going bad-wasn't it. Turning starter switch on (with clutch depressed), no start-no clicking at all. 'Brake' idiot light comes on and ABS light dims a bit, the beeper starts chiming, and then all goes off. Battery is good. No solenoid engage on starter. Have not been able yet to check clutch switch, but that does not seem to the the cause of this. Could it be the internal voltage regulator in the alternator? Previously I would get low ammeter charge light at idle sometimes.......has anyone else experienced this? Marc
Old 12-07-18, 05:57 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
iTrader: (7)
 
ecurbd02's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: ohio
Posts: 621
Received 48 Likes on 28 Posts
I’m no electrical expert but I wouldn’t think the alternator would have anything to do with initial start up given it only does it’s job when the car is running, have you checked all fuses and relays?
Old 12-07-18, 10:42 PM
  #3  
Super Moderator


iTrader: (1)
 
Gen2n3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 2,754
Received 389 Likes on 314 Posts
Marc,

You may want to verify the ground wires, especially from the battery to the chassis and all wires running to and from the starter. Wiggle & bend the ground wires when verifying continuity because there may be some breaks hidden beneath the insulation. Furthermore, clean all chassis ground points - make sure corrosion has not built up on these connectors because that adds resistance to the circuit. Lastly, make sure the battery terminals are properly cleaned, attached, and treated. Use the battery terminal washers (green & red / black & red) to reduce the amount of corrosive acid build up on the terminals. You could also use battery terminal sealer or dielectric grease to further isolate the terminals from any acid & oxygen reactions. As a friendly reminder, use water and baking soda to neutralize the battery acid on a battery. If the battery has caps or covers (not sealed) then make sure this mixture does NOT get inside the cell area.

One final safety note: disconnect the battery when verifying grounds and/or working around the starter. I don't think you would like a jolt from a +12V battery. Unless you are looking for a new nickname like "Sparky". Seriously though, a car's battery stores a lot of amperage. Not only does it hurt but given the right circumstances, it could kill a person.
The following 2 users liked this post by Gen2n3:
b3delta (02-21-20), cardmarc (12-08-18)
Old 12-08-18, 10:26 AM
  #4  
It Just Feels Right

iTrader: (11)
 
TomU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 2,238
Received 346 Likes on 257 Posts
I had the same problem. It was the H302 Security Interlock relay. It's next to the CPU #2 on the driver kickpanel. Bypass the two large wires in the connectors. See: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati.../#post12314393

If that doesn't work, check your clutch switch, then your starter solenoid. My guess is it's H302 relay.

Good luck
The following users liked this post:
cardmarc (12-08-18)
Old 12-08-18, 01:28 PM
  #5  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
cardmarc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Dallas/Denton, TX
Posts: 130
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by ecurbd02
I’m no electrical expert but I wouldn’t think the alternator would have anything to do with initial start up given it only does it’s job when the car is running, have you checked all fuses and relays?
Well, a close examination of the clutch inter-lock starter switch revealed that the pedal grommet has disintegrated. This grommet has a point on it that depresses the inter-lock switch. Anybody know where I can look up this grommet part number? Is there a good full set of parts catalogs on line anywhere? I've looked, no luck. What does this forum do to look up part numbers?
Old 12-08-18, 01:36 PM
  #6  
Super Moderator


iTrader: (1)
 
Gen2n3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 2,754
Received 389 Likes on 314 Posts
Marc,

Have you contacted Ray Crowe? He is the RX-7 parts whisperer! Alternately, do a google search for "RX-7 reference materials". Follow the link to the wright-here website. You can find all sorts of material there such as FSMs, WDMs, and Parts Books (Fiches). Does that help?
Old 12-08-18, 01:38 PM
  #7  
Racecar - Formula 2000

 
DaveW's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bath, OH
Posts: 3,850
Received 277 Likes on 198 Posts
Related post

Related post: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...t=clutch+pedal
Old 12-08-18, 03:44 PM
  #8  
RX-7 Bad Ass

iTrader: (55)
 
DaleClark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 15,399
Received 2,437 Likes on 1,508 Posts
You can get a stick-on rubber foot from the hardware store or go for an OEM-style rubber plug. I've been running stick-on rubber feet for YEARS, they work great and last a very long time.

Dale
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Blue Devil 7
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
11
11-14-03 07:15 PM
mwpayne
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
3
10-01-03 06:42 AM
TonyTurboII
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
9
06-19-03 12:01 AM
Thebestmotoring
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
6
04-14-03 11:56 PM
theNeanderthol
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
1
12-18-01 06:21 PM



Quick Reply: gremlin in electrical starter circuit? Ideas?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:32 AM.