no start issue..
 

Okay my 1990 convertible will not start symptoms include.......
all lights and beeps come on like normal..
But when I turn key nothing happens I think I can hear fuel pump making noise no starter or anything....I cleaned an tighten the battery terminals tried to check fuses but I don't think there is one for starter? So idk I could be missing somthing

Voltage stays at 12 volts before and while turning key
My starter was acting up the other day when I tried to start it it kind of grinded then i tried again an it started right up..

Any ideas of what else to check to futher diagnose the issue before I buy a new starter....?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Cjay,

Check the clutch switch. Clutch needs to be pushed to crank the car.

Instead of just replacing the starter, do some troubleshooting.

Does the big terminal have 12V always? If yes, good.

Does the little terminal on the solenoid have 12V when the key is set to crank? If yes, then probably a bad starter. If no, then likely a problem farther up the system. Pull out your Haynes manual and use the wiring diagram to check the starter cut relay and ignition switch.

Fixed for now!


Thanks aaron.......

But I just tapped starter a couple times and it started right up.... still think think it's worth testing the terminals? And what do you mean by terminal the ones on battery or the one on the starter?

you're not out of the woods yet. it will more than likely do this again.

start simple. try cleaning the connections and making sure they are secure. could be something as simple as that or something more complex. with it being intermittent at this point, you just don't know yet.

Yeah I figured either way it's not normal, obviously...... but I have to order a clutch kit to install while I do my tranny swap so might as well add the starter to the list while I'm down there no sense in having to do it again in a month or whatever.....

For now though you can remove the solenoid from the starter, clean/degunk everything, then put it back. Might make it reliable in the short term.