No Start question
 

Have a 92 SVX. Every so often with no pattern at all, when the key is turned to start the engine the engine won't start. The warning lights etc. all come on, but no crank at all. IF you try again in later, it will start just fine! and may not act up again for days or weeks.

note. Security system (relay) unplugged for different problem it had. Don't know if this has anything to do with it, but I have noticed that you have to turn the key "further/harder" to start the engine. basics have been checked...batt/starter connection.

Has anyone had this problem????

Scott
Omaha

One thing you could try is to move the shifter through the gears and try again. It could be that moisture has gotten into the gear select switch on the transmission and is preventing it from starting.

Doug

Thanks! thats as good as guess as any LOL. Just came back from doing errands. Had about 6-7 stops and car always restarted fine. Naturally when it happened it happened on my wife (at home) so she's gun shy to drive it.

Scott

I think I might throw on a remote starter kill just to make my wife gun shy to drive the SVX :D

"I don't know why it wont start honey, why don't you take the truck today..." :D

Doug

had a 69 comaro that did the same thing. it wouldnt engage. Next time it happens smack the starter with a wrench a couple times. If it starts after smacking it, your starter is going bad. Other than that it could be electrical. Your ignition switch could be worn. That could be why you have to turn it so hard. You could try bypassing the ignition to see if it turns over.

Starter
 

Hi Scott, had the same problem- perhaps this fix may help. At the power connection to the starter, this is visible from the top and can be accessed fairly easy if you remove vacuum line from the speed sensor on the firewall-- try snugging up the nut securing the battery cable. Also examine relay wiring hardware.
CAUTION REMOVE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE FIRST!!

Good Luck Herb

Scott,
I've been living with this problem on "The Evil Twin" since I bought it. I didn't think it was going to start, a few times, on my drive home from New York. I just have to keep turning the key, over and over, until it starts, but, it eventually does. I've checked the starter, no problems there (snugged nuts, replaced grounding wire connector). I've changed the battery terminals, problem persists. I've tried electronics cleaner in the ignition switch, still no help.

The first time I saw this problem was at Reading III. A fellow had replaced three starters and still, no go.

Try the suggestions that Herb outlined, and, if it doesn't help, I'm guessing it's in the ignition switch. Drop the underside cowling on the steering column and check for bare or loose wiring. That's gonna be my next check . . . one of these days. :D

Oh, and sometimes, if I turn the headlights off when the problem surfaces, it starts right up. It's a quandry.

You might want to look over this thread before possibly wasting your time and money on a new starter.

KuoH

Good call Kuoh! How ya doin'? Long time, no see. :D

I'v been having this intermittent problem with mine ever since I did the 5 speed swap. Its almost like there is some kind of interupter relay or something. I bypassed the clutch switch thinking it might be cousing the prob but that didn't fix it. The really wierd thing is, when it does it I have keyed power to the starter selonoid and I can jump the terminals on the starter an make it spin the motor over, but if I hook it right back up again it still wont start the motor. And why can't you just turn the key to the on position and jump the starter to start the car? I have to have someone turn the key to the start position while I jump the terminals.

You might want to check to see if your getting power to the relay wire at the starter when it does it.

Kuoh's solution is likely to be the correct one.

Happened to mine when I got the car first. Had to strip the column down to get everything tightened up before the ignition would operate every time.

Joe:)

May be a dumb idea...but are your steering wheels locked? Mine wont start unless I put pressure on the wheel (while locked) to the side.

*shrug* :confused: :confused: :rolleyes:

I read that reply about the security bolts.....except when ours acts up there is no noise at all...just all the normal warning lights come on. It is however something else to check!!

Scott

Mine won't start right now
 

I think it has something to do with the dome light being on for a week while I was out of town.

Re: Mine won't start right now
 

That would do it. :D