97 Talon won't start

[PandaBear]

So I have a really weird problem, when I turn the key, all the idiot lights come on and the battery is new. But when I press the clutch and try to start the car, I get nothing. It's like the car is dead. The lights dim and all that, but there is a single tiny click and that's it.

The thing is, this car starts fine, but it seems like it's always about 1-3 hours after I drive it that it simply dies, and then eventually comes back again. Does anyone else have this problem? Any tips? I checked the wiring to the starter motor and it seems to be in pretty bad shape, but I don't know how that explains why sometimes it'll start fine yet other times I get absolutely nothing...

 

[DSM nOOb]

sounds like you got a bad battery.

 

[PandaBear]

My neighbour tried to jump start the car last night and there was still nothing. Then he fiddled around with the wire leading to the starter motor and it started instantly. Is that where the starter solenoid is?

I don't really know anything about cars, but I think maybe I should replace that wire leading from the battery to the starter motor..

 

[rlacasse1]

Yes replace the wirin or fix it. A bad connection will cause the issues you are having.

 

[Never Satisfied]

Unplug the clutch pedal switch and it should start right up.

Scratch my previous reply. Just noticed your post about wiggling the wire. Sounds like a bad wire or bad connection.

 

[PandaBear]

Thanks for the replies guys! I think I'll get that wire and fix it when it gets warm.

Also, where is the clutch switch? Is that the thing that prevents the car from starting if you don't hold down the clutch? That was my first solution after searching online yesterday but I couldn't identify the switch after fiddling around under the dash...

 

[rlacasse1]

Yes the clutch switch keeps the car from starting when the clutch is not pushed in.

But from what you described and what happened with your neighbor i have to say that it is a bad connection with the starter.

 

[GSXSixteenG]

Check to make sure your ground connections are good as well, your battery and starter.

 

[CheaCheaBoy]

I had many start issues with my car. Sometimes the connection to your battery is corroded. Try cleaning it up and re-tighten it. Also check your fuses. If the copper from the wiring is visible, might be time to replace. Your last resort would be the starter.

 

[spydreclips6]

I had the same issue, and it turned out that the wire that triggers the starters engagement started to break off the connector.