Starter issue

[mattswabb]

Well I'm trying to get the GTX to crank. It didn't come with any under the hood engine wiring so I got an alternator/starter harness for the car and installed it tonight.

Battery straight to the starter then to main fuse wire.
12 volts present at the small solenoid wire when key is cranked.

Starter will not turn.

I then removed the solenoid wire on the starter and took 12 volts from the starter and ran it derectly to the solenoid tab. The engine cranks easily.


Why no cranking with the key?

[mechanicaldj]

excuse me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mr newbie......read this:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3590

[mattswabb]

excuse me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mr newbie......read this:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3590

Never noticed that sticky You should post that somewhere where people can see it.

88 323 gtx with a BPT

One other thing is that when I do turn the key the clock dims a bit so I know something is drawing a current just not turning/engaging the starter.

[mechanicaldj]

excuse me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mr newbie......read this:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3590

and transmission type???????

come on!!! all of the info!!!!!!!!!

[5.0zone]

You got the clutch pushed in right? :lol:

[mattswabb]

Yes.

What I'm now thinking is that the plug or wire is damged/corroded somewhere. I'm getting 12 volts but once I turn the key the connection isn't good enough for the current.

Tonight I will connect a wire right from the ignition switch and directly to the starter and see if it works. This will let me know if the solenoid wire is good or bad.

[mechanicaldj]

so it is a M A N U A L transmission?

tried looking at the clutch pedal switch???? AKA neutral safety switch

[mattswabb]

I think I found the problem. There's something missing in my starting circuit. The ignition switch goes to some relay and there is a plug in the harness for which I have nothing to put it into. I posted a pic over at the 323 forum to see where it goes. I jumper the plug and it cranks fine.