Trouble starting

[mc-ca]

My car has a strange starting problem. I have not found it via "search". I have a '91 with 106K miles. Intermittently, when turning the key to start - everything goes dead no dash lights, no sound, climate control fan turns off. As soon as I release the key, everything goes back on. The second try always works with a powerful quick start. I checked the battery and it's < 2 years old and ran a clean diagnostics at Sears. I thought it might be the clutch kill switch but when the clutch is not pressed, the car will not start (like it's supposed to) and all the dashboard lights stay on.

My guess is that it's the starter motor or solenoid? Something is putting a big load on the electrical system. I will be taking it to my friendly local dealer but I want to be armed with info before going in.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

mc-ca,

I beleive you need to replace your ignition switch.

P/N 35130-SL0-A01

Figure about $50 w/NSXCA discount.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Griffen]

I just had to do this on my 92... Price of the switch from the dealer was $48 and it took me all of 10 minutes to change it.. Very easy DIY project.

 

[mc-ca]

Thanks for the advice! This forum is great!

 

[mc-ca]

I replaced the switch - it was very easy to do. Here is a picture of the guts of the switch. Lots of black greasy gunk on each contact. Also, there are signs of arcing on the white cover on the left. The new switch had no dark spots from the outside.

The car starts much faster now. It's hard to imagine that most all of the electric power flows through this small switch. Especially the starter current which can be in the 50 amp range.