Confusing no start.

[F22Chris]

Main relay is fine, starter is new, alternator is a rebuilt denso, battery is new, ignition switch is new, grounds are clean. When I turn the key ON the fuel pump primes. I wired a button to the starter and that's getting me by. When i turn the key it just clicks once and nothing else. The only other thing I can think of is the safety switch, but is there anything else? Anything would be awesome; thanks.

[wildBill83]

Do you have an aftermarket alarm? Check your clutch switch if manual or brake switch if you are automatic and the neutral safety switch.

[dj_ender]

Main relay is fine, starter is new, alternator is a rebuilt denso, battery is new, ignition switch is new, grounds are clean. When I turn the key ON the fuel pump primes. I wired a button to the starter and that's getting me by. When i turn the key it just clicks once and nothing else. The only other thing I can think of is the safety switch, but is there anything else? Anything would be awesome; thanks.

Have you cleaned your battery terminals and connectors? Corrosion on the connectors can cause this very issue.

[F22Chris]

@bill
Where is the clutch switch? Ill check it ASAP. Is it the switch that the clutch pedal presses?

@Dj_ender
My terminals are clean, they're tight too. Like I said I can start the car with the button, but not the key.

I also checked the tumbler and its fine..

[Losiracer2]

@bill
Where is the clutch switch? Ill check it ASAP. Is it the switch that the clutch pedal presses?
..

sometimes it could also be the plastic stopper in the clutch pedal that breaks creating a hole and doesn't allow the clutch switch to depress. Look for some broken plastic pieces on your floor mat.

[accordztech]

If it was the clutch switch then he would never have heard a click when he starts.

Get a volt meter and measure voltage at the smaller wire at the starter. If its low and lower than current battery power go under the dash and get to the black/white wire under the dash from the fuse box going to the ignition Switch. Monitor the voltage while you crank. If its lower than the thick white wire in the same area its a faulty ignition switch.

If you want to further test it make sure its not in gear and in park. Get a thick wire with the key on and jump the thick white wire to the black /white wire. If the starter cranks good the. The switch is bad.

[F22Chris]

@accordztech
The switch is fine, I just replaced it actually. Read fine when I tested it.

@bill
The little rubber insert that presses the clutch switch is missing. This wouldn't matter due to the button it presses being constantly down, as if the clutch is always depressed.

I'm so lost here guys.

[accordztech]

@accordztech
The switch is fine, I just replaced it actually. Read fine when I tested it.

@bill
The little rubber insert that presses the clutch switch is missing. This wouldn't matter due to the button it presses being constantly down, as if the clutch is always depressed.

I'm so lost here guys.

I don't care, test the voltage with a meter. Over the years I have been stumped by something that I thought was fine, trust me lol.

after you can follow the black white wire to a relay under the dash to. Test it there and see the voltage in and out...I bet you will find the problem. But you have to back track it from the ignition switch to understand.

And as for the switch for the clutch...go to the wire itself and jump the 2 wires together and see if it starts. It can be pushed down but not making full contact. Been there.

[oyajicool]

Sometimes, checking voltage alone fools a mechanic,,,,,,.

Me.....

I had one 12v light system did that on me.
I had a good light bulb, good contact at the socket and 12.3v across. But, the blub doesn't light up. WTF.

Alligator clipped one section of power wire and it lights up. WTF.

All I could think of is, "not enough AMP", for some reason.

[F22Chris]

@accordztec
Will do, thanks for the help. As for the clutch button, there's 2 connectors for it. Do I cross the one that is directly connected to the button itself? After the button going into the firewall?

[F22Chris]

i checked the 2 wires on the ignition switch, but it was getting power. now all i can think is that the starter isnt getting power. can i just trace something from the pos+ terninal harness to the starter? this whole thing is starting to be a pita.

thanks,
chris

[dj_ender]

i checked the 2 wires on the ignition switch, but it was getting power. now all i can think is that the starter isnt getting power. can i just trace something from the pos+ terninal harness to the starter? this whole thing is starting to be a pita.

thanks,
chris

Is the switch sending power as well as receiving it? I know the plastic end of the tumbler can wear out and cause starting issues.

[F22Chris]

tomorrow ill get a volt meter and put it on the starter. im not sure if its sending, but i know its getting it. i need to try the wire crossing as previously stated to further test the ignition switch. i cant test the starter at the moment cause it takes 2 people. as for the plastic thing, its fine. that was one of the first things i looked at.

chris

[evil_demon_01]

Check the voltage drop/resistance across the main battery earth lead.
As said at the beginning, The Earth cable is known to cause the one click issue.

Either that, or as you say the starter signal wire is broken.
Check it at the starter for 12v.



IMO, it sounds like an earthing problem.

[accordztech]

If it was the clutch switch then he would never have heard a click when he starts.

Get a volt meter and measure voltage at the smaller wire at the starter. If its low and lower than current battery power go under the dash and get to the black/white wire under the dash from the fuse box going to the ignition Switch. Monitor the voltage while you crank. If its lower than the thick white wire in the same area its a faulty ignition switch.

If you want to further test it make sure its not in gear and in park. Get a thick wire with the key on and jump the thick white wire to the black /white wire. If the starter cranks good the. The switch is bad.

In addition to that.....

When you try and start and you get a click, put your finger on the positive terminal. If its much warmer than the negative terminal then you have a starter issue. Smack that sucker with a hammer as someone cranks it.

OR....get the car OUT of gear, and apply battery power directly to the smaller wire on the starter. Does it start to turn over or does it click? If it clicks its either a bad wire/power supply or bad starter.