eek Starting problem

[stefan]

The problem first started thurs night. When I turn my key to RUN the instrument cluster lights up for a second then turns off (usually it stays on) If i go and crank the engine it starts for a second (cluster lights up) and dies (cluster shuts off). It is not a motor problem, it starts fine (plus usually when the motor dies the cluster will stay on). I can get it to start by turning the key on/off/on/off/on/off until the cluster stays lit, then it will usually start (i think one time it didn't). It shouldn't be a problem with the cluster... the cluster just displays signals, it dosent control anything. I'm guessing its just an indication that I'm not getting power somewhere. Now heres the weird thing... my remote start will start the motor fine. But when I remote start it, put the key in, then hit the brake (to switch control over to the car) it dies. I don't think its a problem with the remote start... the system just taps into the different ignition wires, so it shouldn't be able to kill the motor. I tried un-plugging the remote start and it didn't make a difference.

Any ideas? Its cold outside and its my only car

(90' FI' MTX)

[leapin]

Its almost as if the ignition on the car is intermittant in its conection. I know my uncles miata and lots of miatas had a sort of similar prob. It would start and run fine but unless he wiggled the key some of the acc. would not go. eg. the blower motor. Maybe the ignition in the column is pooched. the remote start by-passes that portion does it not?

[FB71]

I would suspect your ignition switch is wearing out.

[leapin]

^^thats what i meant with my jabbering on!