Let us brainstorm! GSLSE
12-07-11, 05:48 PM
#1
Let us brainstorm! GSLSE
I'm in a tight spot y'all, my 1985 RX was acting pretty funny yesterday. Last night I tried to start it and the key would not turn. Today I tried my hardest but ended up having it towed home. First time I've had to tow it since I got it running. Anyways, I need to get it back on the road ASAP because school doesn't wait for me. Warning, I wrote a damn novella.
Here's a quick rundown of the past few days: I ran into trouble this weekend cleaning the engine bay. After all the scrubbing I let it sit for a little. Tried starting to no avail. The electric connections were still wet. I took every connection apart and dried it. There was a plastic connector tied to the alternator; itt had been shorting, I cleaned it out with my battery cleaning tool. I tried quite a few times, hopefully no seals were damaged. Turns out I had let a little water in the intake with the hose. Once I got it going the exhaust smoked for a few but no issues. I removed the AC pulley and AC mounting bracket. I also removed the cruise control and washer fluid container (it was leaking).
Yesterday: I took the car to a local grocery, no noises. I started it (the key was a little tough to turn) and there were these ridiculously loud squealing noises I have never heard before. Luckily I think the squealing is from removing the AC, it must have loosened my other pulleys. I was afraid to drive it because of the squealing but I couldn't miss work; just got the job. It drove fine no other noises on the way to work. The handbrake light was on all the way to work even though it was down fully, the radio also had no power. When I arrived at work the key was very difficult to remove.
The key no longer moved in the ignition. I tried removing the battery (new battery) and replacing all engine bay fuses. The key simply wouldnt turn and my steering was all locked up. I tried moving the vehicle in neutral, running it through the gears and hooking the battery back up. Nothing worked.
I ended up removing the tumbler from the ignition and turning the key with a screwdriver. The dash lights turned on but when I turn it to start the battery level goes from 12 to zero. I can hear relays clicking but it doesnt turn over. Tried jumping the car too, no results.
Been doing my best to find whats wrong. I dont want to start buying things I don't need so I'm turning to y'all. Thank you if you read through all that and you're willing to help.
Here's a quick rundown of the past few days: I ran into trouble this weekend cleaning the engine bay. After all the scrubbing I let it sit for a little. Tried starting to no avail. The electric connections were still wet. I took every connection apart and dried it. There was a plastic connector tied to the alternator; itt had been shorting, I cleaned it out with my battery cleaning tool. I tried quite a few times, hopefully no seals were damaged. Turns out I had let a little water in the intake with the hose. Once I got it going the exhaust smoked for a few but no issues. I removed the AC pulley and AC mounting bracket. I also removed the cruise control and washer fluid container (it was leaking).
Yesterday: I took the car to a local grocery, no noises. I started it (the key was a little tough to turn) and there were these ridiculously loud squealing noises I have never heard before. Luckily I think the squealing is from removing the AC, it must have loosened my other pulleys. I was afraid to drive it because of the squealing but I couldn't miss work; just got the job. It drove fine no other noises on the way to work. The handbrake light was on all the way to work even though it was down fully, the radio also had no power. When I arrived at work the key was very difficult to remove.
The key no longer moved in the ignition. I tried removing the battery (new battery) and replacing all engine bay fuses. The key simply wouldnt turn and my steering was all locked up. I tried moving the vehicle in neutral, running it through the gears and hooking the battery back up. Nothing worked.
I ended up removing the tumbler from the ignition and turning the key with a screwdriver. The dash lights turned on but when I turn it to start the battery level goes from 12 to zero. I can hear relays clicking but it doesnt turn over. Tried jumping the car too, no results.
Been doing my best to find whats wrong. I dont want to start buying things I don't need so I'm turning to y'all. Thank you if you read through all that and you're willing to help.
12-08-11, 09:31 AM
#2
Engine, Not Motor
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Sounds like you have a bad ignition switch. If it won't turn physically, it won't engage all the contacts.
Simply rocking the wheel back and forth while turning the key may have freed it.
Simply rocking the wheel back and forth while turning the key may have freed it.
12-08-11, 10:06 AM
#3
Thanks for the reply AC.
The ignition switch looks pretty difficult to remove. If I order a new ignition, can I take the electronic switch w/ wires and tumbler out? I would then just have to slide them into the old housing (thing connected to the steering). It looks like the housing is working.
Last edited by atheadwins; 12-08-11 at 10:09 AM.
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