Intermittent Start Problem

[Deserion]

I'm going to say it's either the starter solenoid or the ECU not telling the car to crank (sensor). If it was the crankshaft position sensor the car should still (in theory) crank but not start.

[gavinyuill]

With a new ignition switch and battery, the only thing that could stop it from cranking would be power to the starter. Either a fuse or the starter relay in the rear.

Check the fuses first. B8, C1, C2, C3. If they are good then either the ECU isn't getting the w lead signal or the relay is broken.

To check the relay, it is number 7 in the rear relay carrier, jumper the 2 larger wires coming in, then try starting the car. If the car cranks, but no start it is the CLU not sending the w lead signal, or the ECU is broken.

If it starts, replace the relay. if there is still an issue, it is the clutch switch wiring.

With a broken CLU or ECU - time to start digging deep in the pockets.

[driftguy]

Originally Posted by gavinyuill

With a new ignition switch and battery, the only thing that could stop it from cranking would be power to the starter. Either a fuse or the starter relay in the rear.

Check the fuses first. B8, C1, C2, C3. If they are good then either the ECU isn't getting the w lead signal or the relay is broken.

To check the relay, it is number 7 in the rear relay carrier, jumper the 2 larger wires coming in, then try starting the car. If the car cranks, but no start it is the CLU not sending the w lead signal, or the ECU is broken.

If it starts, replace the relay. if there is still an issue, it is the clutch switch wiring.

With a broken CLU or ECU - time to start digging deep in the pockets.

Checked all the fuses under the dash, everything was good and snug with no blown fuses. I changed the cruise control switch on the clutch while I was down there as well.

Checked relay number 7, it had a small amount of corrosion on it so I cleaned it with alcohol. It has started easily since then, but since the issue is so intermittent I can't be sure that mended it.