Hello -

My 93 RX7 is having some issues starting all of a sudden and was hoping you guys could help me out. Here's what happened...

Drove/started fine. Went and test drove an Audi RS4 (mostly for fun, but I think the FD knows...ha). Started fine after that, and stopped on the way home for a bite to eat. Went to get back in to head home, put the key in and nothing. Not a click or chime at all. Tried turning the lights on, nothing. Luckily a tire shop was right next door, so they used the portable to jumpstarter and it started right up.

Next I went over to the tire shop and they tested the alternator/battery and everything was fine. Started/drove home without issues. Went home and parked it. Went to start it to move into the garage a little later, nothing. I figured it must just be a lose ground so I replaced the ground to the battery with a 2 gauge wire and sanded off some paint on the grounding point. Put the key in, got the chime and the dome light was on. Still didn't start. Tried jump starting it, same thing. Tried turning on the lights and I hear a slight buzzing sound like the motor is trying to open the lights but nothing works.

Do you guys have any ideas on what wires I need to check? Maybe the ECU ground? I'm hoping with the description, somebody may have a better idea than the endless searches I've been doing. Thanks for the help, and let me know if you need any other information. Thanks!

 

Well, I solved the issue. I swapped in the battery from my beater and it started right up. (facepalm) The old battery must have held a charge for a couple minutes when they ran the test and then finally quit on me. Got an Optima Yellowtop swapped in and its running great again.

 

I'm having the same problem but it won't jump start. Changed the battery and same thing. Not sure what to do

 

What other diagnostic steps have you gone through?
1. Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage drop? What value do you get?
2. Have you had the alternator tested?

If your getting power. Next test the starter.
1. You can remove those and take those to an automotive shop to be tested.

If its not the starter ...
1. Are you getting fuel?
2. Are you getting spark?
3. Is your motor getting adequate compression?

Whats the history of the car and when did you start experiencing the issue?

 

Are you getting any noises or when you insert the key? Dome light come on?

I'd be sure to double-check your ground and battery terminal clamps as well. Mine are worn and come loose sometimes.

 

I took it to a local shop. Turns out its a wiring issue with the ecu. Problem is the previous owner had it hacked so now I need to find a specialist. Anyone know any good ones in the San Diego area?

 

wiring hacked? or ECU hacked?

 

I'm not sure if the ECU was hacked but the wiring was for sure. It's some of the worst wiring I've seen. It has a printer cable on it