Thread: Starting issue...starter?

I have an odd issue that's been happening lately...

Sometimes I'll get in the car and hit the key, and the starter doesn't run. If I keep hitting it, eventually it will. Seems like I have to wait until after the fuel pump runs as well (that might be normal). But, even if I hold the key in the start position for a few seconds, it'll eventually kick.

But, other times I'll hop in and hit the key, fires right up.

I'm not hearing a clank or anything. Just sometimes it'll go and sometimes it won't. When it hits, it starts just fine.

So, I was thinking either the starter itself, the keyswitch, or maybe even the clutch switch.

But, its weird how it does it....no rhyme or reason. Doesn't matter if its hot or cold, it just hits when it wants to.

Thoughts?

Mine does the same thing. It's the switch on the clutch pedal.

If it doesn't turn out to be the clutch pedal switch (or rubber piece down there deteriorating) then you might look at the key cylinder electronics. I think that's where my problem lies. Same problem... Pretty sure the lock cylinder isn't contacting the wires properly after all these years.

I had a similar problem, changed the starter still wouldnt start. Turned out to be that pesky clutch pedal switch. Def check that first.

I get in mine sometimes and it makes a click but nothing more. So i keep at it, click click click and brap fires up. Sometimes it starts right up. I rebuilt the starter and still did it. Some people tell me its the ignition so i might pick one up

Mine doesn't click or anything. The clutch switch would make perfect sense...but idk.

Is there a way I can hardwire it as a test? (not sure if it grounds or completes a hot circuit) Or are they cheap enough new?

You can unplug the harness plug from the switch and jump it with a paper clip. That's what I did to make sure it wasn't my problem. You can leave it that way as long as you need to for diagnostics.

Is it just a two prong plug?

And, I'm pretty sure this is the reason...if I hit the key a few times with no start and pump the clutch a few times and hit it again, hits first time every time. Or sometimes if I hold the key and move the clutch pedal back and forth a little bit it'll crank as well.

Stupid safetys...lol

Yes it is just two prongs. It's a switch.

Ok, thats easy enough. I'll try that out.