Intermittent Starting Problems - Mysterious Cause Identified and Fixed
#16
Evolved Member
iTrader: (20)
Man I've had this problem for three years! It is so frustrating and embarrassing being stuck outside when it's 115 degrees in phoenix sweating trying to start the car!
I've seen numerous post about this same issue and no one has given a solution until you have. Is there anyway we can request to the mods to make this a sticky? because it deserves it!
I owe you some beers bro! I hope your good deeds can come back to you somehow.
I've seen numerous post about this same issue and no one has given a solution until you have. Is there anyway we can request to the mods to make this a sticky? because it deserves it!
I owe you some beers bro! I hope your good deeds can come back to you somehow.
If there was any visible movement whatsoever, that was your problem. Believe it.
When the interior is hot, the retaining ring that holds the starter switch expands slightly, which allows greater movement of the switch.
Can't argue with either of those assessments. Now, about that 'pack of beers' ...
When the interior is hot, the retaining ring that holds the starter switch expands slightly, which allows greater movement of the switch.
Can't argue with either of those assessments. Now, about that 'pack of beers' ...
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deepee1 (Jun 14, 2021)
#17
great information. struggled with this issue for quite sometime before it mysteriously went away. i'll check this out when i get a chance, as the issue comes back from time to time.
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deepee1 (Jun 14, 2021)
#19
Evolved Member
iTrader: (17)
took the column covers off and checked the switch. i couldnt get the problem to happen so i grabbed the switch and moved it around but the problem still wouldnt happen. so weird.
there is so much movement in that switch its crazy but it still wouldnt cause a no start. i guess ill just have to wait for a no start day and mess with the ignition switch then
there is so much movement in that switch its crazy but it still wouldnt cause a no start. i guess ill just have to wait for a no start day and mess with the ignition switch then
#20
If you can't induce a no-start at the switch, you've still learned something about your situation. What I suggest you do is as follows:
1) Reassemble the starter switch assembly as per my instructions in the OP, which should guarantee it from not being the cause of a no-start.
2) If the no-start reoccurs, stop what you're doing. Try to start 2-3 more times to be sure it's repeatable. Unplug the clutch switch, and try again. If it starts on the first try after that, the clutch switch is likely the problem. Try to repeat the scenario to be certain.
3) If removing the clutch switch makes no change, follow my 3-step troubleshooting instructions in post #10. That will tell you which side of the firewall the problem lies. Knowing that is half the battle.
1) Reassemble the starter switch assembly as per my instructions in the OP, which should guarantee it from not being the cause of a no-start.
2) If the no-start reoccurs, stop what you're doing. Try to start 2-3 more times to be sure it's repeatable. Unplug the clutch switch, and try again. If it starts on the first try after that, the clutch switch is likely the problem. Try to repeat the scenario to be certain.
3) If removing the clutch switch makes no change, follow my 3-step troubleshooting instructions in post #10. That will tell you which side of the firewall the problem lies. Knowing that is half the battle.
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deepee1 (Jun 14, 2021)
#21
Evolved Member
iTrader: (17)
If you can't induce a no-start at the switch, you've still learned something about your situation. What I suggest you do is as follows:
1) Reassemble the starter switch assembly as per my instructions in the OP, which should guarantee it from not being the cause of a no-start.
2) If the no-start reoccurs, stop what you're doing. Try to start 2-3 more times to be sure it's repeatable. Unplug the clutch switch, and try again. If it starts on the first try after that, the clutch switch is likely the problem. Try to repeat the scenario to be certain.
3) If removing the clutch switch makes no change, follow my 3-step troubleshooting instructions in post #10. That will tell you which side of the firewall the problem lies. Knowing that is half the battle.
1) Reassemble the starter switch assembly as per my instructions in the OP, which should guarantee it from not being the cause of a no-start.
2) If the no-start reoccurs, stop what you're doing. Try to start 2-3 more times to be sure it's repeatable. Unplug the clutch switch, and try again. If it starts on the first try after that, the clutch switch is likely the problem. Try to repeat the scenario to be certain.
3) If removing the clutch switch makes no change, follow my 3-step troubleshooting instructions in post #10. That will tell you which side of the firewall the problem lies. Knowing that is half the battle.
i will still check it all and follow your steps when it happens again.
#22
Evolving Member
evorc s problem sounds much like mine, especially the part about happening more often in hot weather.
sorry for the newb post but theres a few things i would like to ask to confirm.
take off steering wheel cover/column to reveal wires. switch should b visable. tighten the single bolt on starter switch and remove the white connector assembly from it to remove tension ??
thanks guys !
sorry for the newb post but theres a few things i would like to ask to confirm.
take off steering wheel cover/column to reveal wires. switch should b visable. tighten the single bolt on starter switch and remove the white connector assembly from it to remove tension ??
thanks guys !
#23
Evolved Member
iTrader: (20)
evorc s problem sounds much like mine, especially the part about happening more often in hot weather.
sorry for the newb post but theres a few things i would like to ask to confirm.
take off steering wheel cover/column to reveal wires. switch should b visable. tighten the single bolt on starter switch and remove the white connector assembly from it to remove tension ??
thanks guys !
sorry for the newb post but theres a few things i would like to ask to confirm.
take off steering wheel cover/column to reveal wires. switch should b visable. tighten the single bolt on starter switch and remove the white connector assembly from it to remove tension ??
thanks guys !
#24
Correct. Look for three phillips screws on the bottom half of the column cover. Remove those, and the two halves will separate with a bit of effort. You will need an angled philips to get to the starter switch anchor screw. Be sure to rotate switch as far clockwise as it allows before tigthening.
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deepee1 (Jun 14, 2021)
#25
Evolved Member
Ted if I ever meet u I'm gettin u high or I'm buyin u a few beers. Haha This simple fix which took me 30 mins, saved me past 5 months of intermittent no click or crank, at certain times. Now what I did that's slightly different I have a steering column pod I took both of those pigtails zip tied them up to the boost gauge line to keep them from wiggling the switch itself down. But I tried it 10 times, let it run for a min, shut it off waited turned to on cranked fired up everything. Good job on the find. Reasons like this I keep comin back to find out info n to help others also.
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deepee1 (Jun 14, 2021)
#26
Evolving Member
cheers guys, ill try it and see if it fixes it !
edit: do i NEED a angled phillips head .. cant i use a normal one? small ? duno if i got an angled one .. :S
edit: do i NEED a angled phillips head .. cant i use a normal one? small ? duno if i got an angled one .. :S
Last edited by elim0; Sep 8, 2012 at 09:12 AM.
#28
Evolved Member
Don't need an angled Phillips, two screws drop off part of dash under steering column then it's 3 screw under lower steering cover then a bit of wiggling and its out and exposed. After that a 3 to 4 in screwdriver will work.