FiveSeventyZee

Until now my 1990 rx-7 convertible has been reliable and started up every time with no trouble. Today I got in the car and turn the key, nothing. The only sound is a slight electronic whine from the back of the car that sounds like a fuel pump to me (i dont know for sure where the fuel pump is on the fc but thats what it sounds like) but nothing else. The starter motor is silent, no clicks from the starter solenoid, the engine won't turn, nothing.

The gauge on the dash reads 12 volts and lowers slightly when i turn the key. The lights on the clock on the idiot light cluster goes out/dim too.

Any ideas?

RotaryRocket88

iTrader: (7)

Check battery voltage with a volt meter (~12.5v), check/clean the battery cables and the signal wire on the starter solenoid. You can also tap the starter with a hammer during cranking to check if it's the problem. Obviously you'll need the car jacked up, out of gear, and a helper in the driver-seat. An auto parts store can also bench test starter.

skaraider

you are correct that is the fuel pump you hear, it is located under the carpet behind the driver seat in the storage area... there is actually a hatch so if it ever goes out or u want to check it just pull the carpet up... although that is not your problem just an FYI for YOU.

Yeah just check your connection to your battery and terminals.. also if it has the STOCK battery terminals... spend 6-9 bucks and replace them.. always a good start.

FiveSeventyZee

The battery is good, I'll look into the signal wire for the starter solenoid.

Could it be the starter relay?

Also, my passenger window is stuck partway up and the wiper switch is bad and only works in the I setting. I doubt it would be related but i was curious if either of those issues might screw up the ignition somehow

satch

iTrader: (1)

You would go to the Starter Cut relay located near the Main relay and jumper the Black/Blue wire to the Black/Green wire if you felt there was a problem with that relay. This jumpering effectively bypasses the relay and overrides the factory alarm if equipped as it pertains to starting the car.

You would know if this relay were problematic if the key were turned to start and the Black/Green wire did not have voltage on it.

If the B/G wire did have voltage w/key to start then the Interlock switch on top of the clutch might be your problem. W/key to start and the pedal depressed you would have voltage on the Black/Red wire at this switch and also the starter solenoid.

If the B/R wire at the starter solenoid had voltage w/key to start and clutch depressed then the problem lies within the starter itself or the positive/negative cables connected to it.

FiveSeventyZee

Tapping the starter solenoid worked. Thanks a lot guys. I'll be replacing the starter this weekend

technessjoka

Wow that's an easy fix