Ai'ght e'ybody, I got one fo' y'all!!! My '96 has started acting up:

I turn the key like I'm going to start it and nothing happens. All the lights in the dash light up like normal, as if you had just turned the key for power, and I can hear the fuel pump start running, but the starter won't engage, won't even move! I don't get that click and dimming dash lights like if the battery was dead, and everything else electronic-wise is still working. I looked in the Haynes manual and it said something about a clutch engage switch, but I don't think it would be that. I have had no problems with the clutch before this, and I'm sure the starter hasn't been replaced since the car was new, and it has been run long and hard. Is there anything else that could keep the starter from energizing, wire-wise, like some wire in the steering column or something?

Just figured I'd ask around. I'd have it taken to a mechanic or something already if I wasn't 25 miles from town and wanted to pay a towtruck to have it done, but if I can just get a diagnosis I'd be set, ya know? Well, thanks for whatever help y'all got!

-Booma

 

try tapping the starter,does the starter make any noise at all,also check the ignition control module(ICM)if equipped,another thing could be the ignition switch,have someone stand in front of the car and turn the headlights on,then try to crank the car,the headlights should get dim,which would usually mean there is power going to the starter which would also mean its not the ignition module,but I maybe wrong I tryed that on my Trans-am and the headlights didn't get dim,but it ended up being the starter good luck getting it fixed

 

Nope, no dimming whatsoever. When i go to turn the key to ignition, there's no dimming...but there's nothing else either. I can turn the key to the position where you can turn the radio on w/out starting the car and all the lights in the panel and the radio comes on, but I push the clutch in and flip the key to start, and it's like nothing has happened, as if I was still in the "power-on, engine-off" ignition position! I didn't read anything 'bout an ICM in this car, but I prolly missed it. I'll check my Hayne's again. And if anyone else has input, it'd be appreciated! Thanks and thanks LT1T!!!

 

When I start my car, I push the clutch all the way to the floor. And sometimes, it'll do exactly what you say, and all I have to do is let the clutch out a tiny bit while the key is turned all the way and it'll start right up. Try that next time it happens.

 

Yeah dude, I've tried that too. I haven't been able to start it for a couple of weeks. I've tried all different positions, tried messin' with the clutch engage thingy, and if I can find my voltmeter, I'm gonna check the current going to the friggin' starter. You think if there's no power going to the starter, I can somehow run a jumper power wire to it, and where I would run it from?

 

...I guess it ain't gonna happen! The starter has power to it and everything else works that I know of. I guess I'll hafta shell out lotsa money and have a mechanic work on it! [:@]

 

If you got power to the starter make sure the signal wire is getting power too. It should read little to no voltage until you turn the key to start then you should get 12 volts. If you got the power and starter does'nt even click then replace the starter. Beat on it with something metal while someone else is turning key might get it going too.

 

next time it doesn't start, put the car into 4th gear (handbrake off) and push the car back about a foot or so. take it out of gear and try starting it, if it starts, you got a dodgy starter/connection

 

you need to jumper from the terminal of the cable that comes directly from the battery to the terminal that comes from the ignition switch. those are the only 2 that LEAD INTO the starter and are external to it. careful when doing it. have an insulated wire, and make sure the car is in neutral or park (if automatic), and wheels blocked.
i would use a red plastic thong that is used for pullying spark plug wires (on lawn mower i think).
you did say that you have 12 volts at the starter.
even though the lights and whatnot come on, does not neccessaily mean that all is good at the battery. check and clean the connections and put them on tight.
if you get nothing, then have to remove the starter and take to a parts place that will test it and they will verify that it is good or not.

 

so.. ahh has anyone thought that it may have something to do with the elutch engagement? i know you said that you were playing arroudn with it, but did you come to a conclusion where you are 100% positive that it isn't it?... just a thought