Help! Car doesn't crank, everything else works

[Ravenous]

I drove my car to Monte Carlo Bowling the other night and when I came out it wouldn't turn over. The fuel pump works, I can hear it. I can hear the click from underneath the dash for the starter relay. We were able to compression start it (push start) so the ignition seems to be working, but the starter doesn't even attempt turn over. So far I have:

Clutch switch has been disconnected for months
Bypassed alarm starter kill relay
Pulled starter and bench tested, it kicked on multiple times when connected directly to 12v
Pulled starter relay and jumped black/red wire to black/yellow wire
Checked all battery/starter connections
Tested starter trigger wire - FAILED, did not show 12v when my fiance turned key.

I am at a loss, I figured that if the starter trigger wire wasn't showing 12v then it would of had to of been the relay. I have gotten it to start intermittently but those times are few and far between. I will go through all of my wires and make sure that everything is tight and nothing grounded. I will check the relay to see if it is getting 12v when the key is turned. If anybody has any insight it would be much appreciated, my exhaust will be here Friday and I want to drive my baby.

 

[steve]

Your on the right path but just take your multimeter and electrical diagrams and start checking for the voltage from the ignition switch as it winds it's way to the starter solenoid.

The starter relay shouldn't be switching. It's a normally closed relay and breaks the circuit when it energizes.

 

[bpestilence]

You might be hearing the security system relay under the radio.

It sounds like the ignition switch might be bad. That was one of the firt things I had to replace when I got my Talon.

 

[luv2rallye]

Your ignition switch (start position) sounds suspect. Try applying +12V to the wire from the ignition switch to the starter relay (black/yellow). If it now cranks your ignition switch is bad. You can then save buying a new ignition switch (pricey and will then have different key then doors) by just connecting that wire through the button to a 10A fuse to +12V.

 

[Ravenous]

By "the button" I assume you mean aftermarket button? Well I've always thought push to start was cool. I will check it out this am and let you know what I find. Thanks for the help.

 

[steve]

If it now cranks your ignition switch is bad. You can then save buying a new ignition switch (pricey and will then have different key then doors) by just connecting that wire through the button to a 10A fuse to +12V.

I'd suggest connecting it to a switched source of 12v to avoid any accidents.

 

[Ravenous]

Well no need to install a button/switch. I tested the starter trigger before I tested the relay. So I jumped the relay contacts like I said above but I had forgotten to reconnect the starter trigger. This morning I have started it 6 times without fault. So in the end it was the starter relay. I used 2 spade connectors and a strip of 14 gauge wire for the jumper. Is there any disadvantage to leaving it like this? I really have no need for the starter relay that i can see.