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Thread: Problem turning on

  1. #1

    Default Problem turning on

    I already changed to a brand new starter but i'm having a problem constantly being able to turn the car on. I put the key in, and someone it works, sometime it doesn't..It kind of seems like it has a mind of its own, what do y'all think could be the problem?
    silver 91 miata - no mas
    gold 91 miata w/ hardtop - no mas
    99 emerald green mica miata - just found!

  2. #2
    Team Cheap Bastard
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    Ignition switch.

  3. #3

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    Is there a clutch pedal switch on Miatas? On a few other manual cars I've had, there was a switch on the clutch pedal that would let the ECU know the pedal was depressed. If the pedal was not pressed down, it wouldn't turn over the engine, in case the trans was in gear.
    '06 RSX Type-S NBP

  4. #4

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    Don't we need to depress the clutch pedal to get our Miatas to start?.......I believe the answer is yes and yes.

  5. #5
    Bad Moderator Donut Dave04's Avatar
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    When you say it won't turn on... do you mean you turn the switch and you get nothing? No lights on the dash? If that is the case then, yeah, ignition switch... if the lights on the dash come on, but it won't turn over, then next I'd look at the clutch switch.
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  6. #6

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    yeah it turned on fine this morning, its weird cuz when it doesnt want to turn on, dash lights work, ac works, even the headlights
    and yes i do have to hold down the clutch to turn on the car

  7. #7

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    it did it again during lunch time and took a video, after recording it, it turned on, but at least yall get to hear it.

    *sorry for recording upside down though
    http://s1185.photobucket.com/albums/...727_124130.mp4

  8. #8

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    You had the battery checked out?

    Hard to tell much from the upside down fuzzy video but it sounds like a weak battery.

    Also possibly an ignition switch.
    Last edited by POS Racing; 07-27-2012 at 03:15 PM.

  9. #9

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    it must be the ignition switch, cuz the battery is only a month old

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by ozzie84 View Post
    it must be the ignition switch, cuz the battery is only a month old
    That doesn't mean the battery isn't bad. I've seen 3 in the last week with Walmart batteries do this, battery tested bad, replaced under warranty.
    '01 Miata. Silver/Red Stripes. HDHCDD
    '13 Mazda2. Spirited Green.

  11. #11

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    Have you tried it with a new key? Or with the key wrapped in foil?
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

  12. #12

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    Foil? I don't think its the battery, but I can remove it tomorrow and tell auto zone to check it
    silver 91 miata - no mas
    gold 91 miata w/ hardtop - no mas
    99 emerald green mica miata - just found!

  13. #13

    Default

    Have the battery tested. Re-check the battery terminal clamps for tightness and corrosion. Check that your engine block grounds are tight and corrosion-free. Check that the power and signal wires on the starter are secure and corrosion-free.

    The video you posted sounds like something is clicking under the hood, so your first tests should be for low current and a bad starter motor. You stated that the starter motor is new, so worry about the electric current first.
    1994 R-package - gone, but not forgotten.
    1966 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. Restification in progress. or should I say De-RUSTification in progress?
    1984 Honda VF1100S. V4 Fury!

  14. #14

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    I just finished cleaning the ignition switch, like recommended on another forum, it was quite gunky inside, so I'll try to run the car all day and see if I don't have the problem again
    silver 91 miata - no mas
    gold 91 miata w/ hardtop - no mas
    99 emerald green mica miata - just found!

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by sammm View Post
    Ignition switch.
    Quote Originally Posted by Dave04 View Post
    When you say it won't turn on... do you mean you turn the switch and you get nothing? No lights on the dash? If that is the case then, yeah, ignition switch... if the lights on the dash come on, but it won't turn over, then next I'd look at the clutch switch.
    Quote Originally Posted by POS Racing View Post
    Also possibly an ignition switch.
    Quote Originally Posted by ozzie84 View Post
    I just finished cleaning the ignition switch, like recommended on another forum, it was quite gunky inside, so I'll try to run the car all day and see if I don't have the problem again
    Yea for the other Forum! No one here even mentioned the ignitions switch.

  16. #16

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    ran all day yesterday and so far today....

  17. #17
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    My Miata will have an issue with starting if the ground connection underneath the car isn't clean and tight.
    Mike Walsted - Not an expert, just a data point.
    1999 Miata
    2003 MIata
    1999 Miata
    2001 Kia Rio

  18. #18

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    The foil method will gain you 5-10 hp.
    Polished Turd Racing

    Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."

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