986 no crank

[maybe368]

Hi all, hope all is well. I bought a 99 986 a couple of weeks ago. It was running and starting fine but had some issues with the top and was in need of a good cleaning. I ordered up some parts for the top and decided to see how bad things are.

What I did was to use a vacuum and compressed air to clean up the entire car. I did not use a garden hose on the car. I took the battery out and found a good amount of corrosion including a completely compromised positive battery cable. I also used a spray bottle with about 50/50 dish soap and water to spot clean after the compressed air and vacuum. I have as very careful with the water and used the minimum and let it well dry (not too hard in Phoenix).

After I did all that I ended up with a no crank situation. My question for you people is, is there something in the battery area that I might have screwed up with what I did? Is it possible that I might have gotten my immobilizer wet from the battery compartment? I am willing to pull the seat and do the diagnostics, I really think that it is something that I did, not a horrible coincidence. Also everything else seems to be working, radio, windows and convertible top. The battery is less than a year old and had no problem starting the car. Thanks in advance one other question, the post that the positive cable is attached to, can that be removed by removing thos two bolts? ...Mark

[Stl-986]

Soap & water isn't going to clean that cable. You need to at least sand the terminal. If it were me though with that much corrosion I would just replace it.

What post for the positive cable are you referring to?

[JFP in PA]

Replace the cables, they are toast, and replacements are not expensive.

[maybe368]

Thanks for the reply. I have already replaced the cable. I am referring to the post that the positive cable connects to on the firewall. I believe that it is two nuts on studs that hold it onto the firewall. Thanks Mark

[maybe368]

I tried to answer and it reposted my original post???

[maybe368]

I did replace the cable. I am referring to the post that the positive cable goes on the firewall and the two nuts on studs. I don’t know how my original post got reposted 😳

[maybe368]

Sorry guys I’m not used to new posts being on top 😬

[maybe368]

Here’s a pic

[maybe368]

Soooooo, is there anything in there that I might have screwed up or is this a coincidence as the car started fine before I did this? Or do I need to check the nss and beyond? I know I need to do this I’m just trying to save time if there is something in there..Mark

[Stl-986]

Let's start over. lol

You replaced the positive cable right? Did you disconnect the negative cable when doing this?

What I would do is 1st start checking your fuses. get a multimeter and check continuity on all of them. Do not rely on just visually checking. If all test good, next test the fuse at the immobilizer. Make a note of any that you replace.

Not sure what the nss is you refer to.

let's go in steps and not just throw out 50 different things that it could be, much easier that way.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by maybe368

Here’s a pic

That is where the positive battery lead attaches to the power distribution block under the dash on the passenger's side. Under the dash, you will find a row of heavy fuses for circuits like the starter, AC, headlights, etc.

[maybe368]

I am very happy right now because all I did was move the driver’s seat back, a ding ding ding happened and it started ���� Now dose that mean that the seat is interacting with the immobilzer? Thanks from a happy guy.

[maybe368]

Thanks JFP for the info I really appreciate it. I knew that it had to be something that I had done and I had adjusted the driver’s seat. When I went to look at the clutch safety switch and I pushed the seat back and a sudden ding ding ding. The seats have been reupholstered a couple of years ago so maybe there is some contact...Mark

[Stl-986]

Actually I bet it's your clutch switch that is going out. Cheap & easy to replace.

[maybe368]

Thanks Stl-986, I thought about it and I did reach up there touch and slightly felt around it before I moved the seat. I believe that you are completely correct and will be ordering one, thanks a lot... mark

[Stl-986]

Moving the seat I think it just a coincidence.

[paulofto]

The clutch interlock switch was the culprit on mine when I had sporadic no starts. I took it out and jumpered across it. The car can now start without depressing the clutch pedal, just like in the old days.