1992 - Trying to solve starting problem. (starter engaging)

[pchristie]

Lately, If I have not driven the car for a couple of days, the starter will not engage. Everything else seems to work fine, Fuel pump kicks in, I can hear relays clicking when I turn the key, but no start. I have been jumping the + terminal in the fusebox to the starter solenoid and it starts right up.

If I drive it regularly, for example to the office, let it sit for 10 hours, it starts right up.

In the last 3kmiles/3 years, I have replaced the ignition terminal at the base of the steering column and the main relay (in addition to 50% of the rest of the car). I started to think it was the security system (factory) because I would sit in the car and lock/unlock doors, turns lights on/off and magically it would turn over and start, but I am beginning to think this may be a false positive.

Has anyone experienced this?

Cliff notes - the wiring harness is not virgin, it is turbo'd with aftermarket fuel, oil, meth and intercooler pumps.

Appreciate your help and wisdom!

 

[steve k]

Nice looking car.sounds like it may be time to replace the battery.I live in Guam and even the batterys with the 7 year gaurantee die out here in typically 2-3 years.they just stop holding a solid charge,which is what sounds like is happening to you,as when you hook up a jump start you have no problems.hope it helps

 

[jwmelvin]

Sounds like OP was jumping it from itself, which should largely rule out the battery. What about the starter relay? Other connections?

 

[pchristie]

The battery is good, and I was using the battery post from the fusebox and jumping it to the starter. I have not tested the starter cut relay, (which i believe is the only relay in the starter circuit). I will try that, also now wondering if the factory security system could be problematic.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Could be time for a new ignition switch......

Also check the switch for the clutch pedal.....

How many miles?

Regards,
LarryB

 

[Lude_2_NSX]

I second the clutch pedal position switch...

 

[pchristie]

Thanks for the help,

124k miles on the car, I did replace the ignition switch 3 years ago, but both ignition switch and clutch switch are inexpensive, so I will start there.