So I have intermittent starting issues. It seems to be related to the key. I'll turn it to start the engine, the fuel pump will hum, lights will go out, etc, but it won't crank.

If I then nudge the key every so slightly it will crank and start.

Though once or twice, the engine cranked after like 4 seconds of holding the key in the start position without really moving it.

So I wonder how I can find out if it's an issue with the key chamber, or something else along the line, like a loose/corroded connection.

I suppose I should follow all the connections first with a multimeter, but I wonder if issues with the key chamber thing are common? I think there was an issue with how it was attached to the steering column, but can't find that thread now.

 

The key itself can only disable the fuel injectors.
The ignition switch however will behave like you describe.... start position will go dead, then holding pressure on it for a few seconds or wiggling it will cause it to work.

For what it is worth, I'd just change the ignition switch. I do one of these week, I don't even test them anymore, they are that common.

If you look around there are a few threads here about it, most of them filled with tons of inaccurate information, but all eventually ending with "it needed this and this and this and this and an ignition switch".

 

+1 on ignition switch
Its possible the key needs to be re-cut. But I dont think an evo would have a issue like that. Thats like 10+ years of wear and tear

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll start looking for a replacement, and might test my current one. The service manual has some info on testing continuity and resistance.

And by the starter, you guys mean #7, not #6, which is the key cylinder, right?

 

Ignition switch is number 7.
Just put a test light on the black/yellow wire and turn the key while the problem is occurring. No test light = no signal from the switch.
From there you can isolate it by removing the switch and using a screw driver to twist the switch... if there is a dead spot and you have to force it past it to make the starter work, the switch is kaput.

Again I see these weekly. It is pretty much always the switch.

 

Coolio, thanks. It's only $65 retail so not too bad for the fix.

 

Here you go:

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ied-fixed.html

Give that thread a read before you rip apart the ignition switch. Check simple stuff first. There are a bunch of little things that can affect start-up. For example, do you push the clutch in when you start the vehicle? The lower clutch switch is wired in series with the ignition system. I've broken a couple of them, because they are plastic, and the symptoms are similar. Easy way to check if it's causing your issue is to simply unplug it. Good luck.

 

Also check the black wire that connects into the top of the starter. That connector is notorious on these cars for coming loose/not making good contact. The wire that goes into the connector, over time, starts to pull away from the actual plastic connector. When I changed my starter I noticed the wire really needs to be re-crimped into a new connector but for the interim I pushed it back in tight and taped it up. Have had no problems since until Saturday evening out of the blue go to leave a restaurant and boom car won't crank. I suspect that wire came loose again. And here I thought by changing the starter I fixed my issue. Will probably replace ignition switch too for gits and shiggles.

 

Yeah, thanks, that was the thread I was thinking of. Sucks getting stranded doesn't it