Intermittent Starting Problems - Mysterious Cause Identified and Fixed
Right that's what I do to start it at times. What does this mean though? How can I fix my starting issue? Does it relate to the ignition switch?
This issue seems to be independent of the key cylinder problem, and I encounter it on occasion as well. I can't be certain, but one theory is the starter gear may get caught on the flywheel teeth. I'm proposing this as a possibility because only when the car is rolled in gear until the short whine is heard will the starter engage. I could be wrong, but it's an interesting issue. I'm not sure what else could be the cause.
I can definitely definitely confirm that tightening the screw on the left side of the steering column for the ignition switch has fixed my issue. It may come loose in the future but at least I know where the problem is coming from!
So annoying especially after replacing my starter and it still doing it. I highly suggest people having similar problems to check to see if the ignition switch is loose first. When you tighten it make sure you push up towards the roof. For me the previous owner has a viper alarm system installed and had some of the wires tied to the end of the ignition switch which was pulling it down.
So annoying especially after replacing my starter and it still doing it. I highly suggest people having similar problems to check to see if the ignition switch is loose first. When you tighten it make sure you push up towards the roof. For me the previous owner has a viper alarm system installed and had some of the wires tied to the end of the ignition switch which was pulling it down.
I disassembled the plastic connector that plugs into the starter and cleaned the contact. It made no difference, but I can see that as a potential trouble spot. When in doubt, one can energize the starter relay pin that energizes that signal wire to troubleshoot.
For those of you still experiencing issues, and who have an alarm, try hitting the disarm button when it's giving you trouble. I've isolated this as a possible culprit as well. If the alarm interrupt misbehaves and interrupts the starter unexpectedly, this could lead one to repeatedly activate the ignition switch, possibly causing it to eventually loosen.
If this situation arises, then tightening the switch alone will help, but will not completely resolve it so long as the alarm is the source of the issue.
If this situation arises, then tightening the switch alone will help, but will not completely resolve it so long as the alarm is the source of the issue.
Evolving Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington NC
Ted, I have had this happen to me a few times. Luckily everytime has been in my shop, and also everytime it has finally started after a few gentle turns of the key. I will for sure check into your fix tomorrow when I get some time. I am heading out of town about 5 hours from home in the evo this weekend and will be gone for a week. That would be a crummy time to get stuck so far away from my tools with an issue. I came upon this thread by luck, just scanning new posts, glad I did. Thanks for your insight and keep up the informative posts when you can. 
Evolving Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Redmond Washington
This thread is very inspirational!
Even though my car is a 1990 Talon (not an evo) I've had just about every problem described in the 5 pages above.
I've already replaced my starter relay with a jumper wire, which also takes out the clutch switch.
My plan now is to bypass everything in the steering column by running a wire from the battery, through an inline fuse, to a 50 amp push button "momentary" switch, from there to the outbound starter relay terminal which is easy to get at, which goes to the starter solenoid.
Turn key to run, push button to start. Just like the first car I ever drove (a 1959 TR3) and some airplanes.
Here's a pic of the switch I'm going to use. It's not as big as it looks here!:
Even though my car is a 1990 Talon (not an evo) I've had just about every problem described in the 5 pages above.
I've already replaced my starter relay with a jumper wire, which also takes out the clutch switch.
My plan now is to bypass everything in the steering column by running a wire from the battery, through an inline fuse, to a 50 amp push button "momentary" switch, from there to the outbound starter relay terminal which is easy to get at, which goes to the starter solenoid.
Turn key to run, push button to start. Just like the first car I ever drove (a 1959 TR3) and some airplanes.
Here's a pic of the switch I'm going to use. It's not as big as it looks here!:
Last edited by Talonboost; Mar 24, 2015 at 03:29 PM. Reason: added term "momentary"
I suspect some of you may be having an issue with your car alarm's starter disable. If you think you are, see this video for a workaround that can identify the problem:
This thread helped me solve my no start issue. Thanks Ted!
So my car after a few weeks started doing it again. I noticed now that smoke actual accumulates from the thing the ignition cable plugs into the thing that sparks when you turn the key.
