Resolved 2G Starter relay

[TomsGST]

96 GS-T, by bypassing the starter relay the car started right up. Purchased a new relay from an auto parts store. Put it in and it went back to a click when the key is turned. Jumped or bypassed the relay again, just to be sure, and it starts right up.

The clutch does not have to pushed in for it to start. Bad relay maybe?? I have read a lot of posts, close but no bananas.

 

[TSiAWD666]

My bet is it's a bad ignition switch actually. It's on the driver's side of the steering column held in by two Phillips head screws. They're difficult to remove as they are perpendicular to the column and you can't use a straight screwdriver on them as the dash is in the way. You need a 90-deg ratcheting screwdriver or you can use a screwdriver bit with a wrench on it (kind of difficult to explain) where your fingers hold the bit in place and with pressure and you turn carefully with the wrench. There isn't much force holding the screws in place which is why this will work. There's a huge blue harness plugged into the ignition switch which also has to come out prior to removal and can be a bit of a pain.

I'm not clear why the switch would govern how the power through the relay would be limited since you clearly get a click indicating the relay at least partially worked, but somehow it does. It's sad because I was an EE major in school but don't know the internals of a relay. You can try just cleaning out the carbon build-up inside the switch, or replacing it. I've only done the latter and since I did I haven't had your symptoms since.

 

[luv2rallye]

It makes a difference if you have a MT or Auto. Relays work opposite. I would just recommend leaving the relay out and leave it jumpered unless you want the clutch disable and factory theft alarms to disable starter.

 

[mrmadsm]

did this magically start happening? or did you buy this car like this? does it have an alarm or remote start? the alarm or remote start may be causing the issue, or the wiring for either might be faulty

 

[TomsGST]

I am in the process of buying it, no it doesn't have a remote start and just the security it has from the factory. I haven't had a chance to go look at it because it is an hours drive to it. I am going to clean the ignition switch to see if that changes anything. We took the lowering kit off, because I am a little older now and we replaced the passenger side CV axle, went to start it and nothing but a click. I am also replacing the clutch safety switch to see if that might be it. I'll let you know just as soon as get back up there to work on it.

 

[luv2rallye]

On a turbo MT the starter relay only activates to DISABLE the starter. It does this if either the clutch is not pressed down (clutch safety switch) or the factory alarm is preventing starter operation. So normally the starter relay never activates (or clicks). The relay's contacts must still be good however as the starter circuit goes through them.

A click when turning ignition on (when switched from Off to On) would be the MFI relay and ISC initializing. A click from On to Start would be the fuel pump relay and possibly the starter relay (from above conditions).

 

[TomsGST]

Problem has been fixed, it was the clutch safety switch, put a new one on, fires right up!!

 

[miguelmcv]

Problem has been fixed, it was the clutch safety switch, put a new one on, fires right up!!

You stated on your First post that, The clutch does not have to pushed in for it to start,, Now you replaced the clutch safety switch which it was not connected and it starts?.
Im I missing something here, or are you talking about another part. t

This problem happened to my car LONG, LONG time ago, all what I did was to bypass the relay and I haven't had any problems since then..

I would like to know what part exactly you replaced so I can look in mine and see if I can bring it back the way it was.

My car doesn't need the clutch to pushed in for the car to start though.