Topic: ignition prob

[zebo87]

well i thought i had it figured out. a few months back my car started to take longer for the key to actually engage the ignition. it would take a few seconds longer everyday for about a week then one day it wouldnt start it at all. i checked the wiring from the ignition to the coil and solenoid. all was good. i checked the coil. changed the solenoid and still good. the weird part is i can start my car just fine if i turn the key in the on position and jump the solenoid. i was talking to a guy today and he said he had the same prob and his was the ignition switch. well i checked mine out today and it seemed a little worn so i changed it too. still nothing. now im at a loss. i am now looking for new ideas. any would help.

[Soaring]

Replace your solenoid.  A cheap fix.  I have bought more than one bad solenoids that were new.    If you have to jump it, then the solenoid is bad even if it is new. 

[zebo87]

i will give it a shot. i think i have the one i replaced this one with because they prob was still there with the swap. i even tested it with the fluke and it seemed good.

[zebo87]

changed the solenoid and the prob still exists. i talked to a guy who is also familiar and mentioned the clutch switch. thats the next step. everything else seems to be fine so i hope thats the issue. i will update later.

[Soaring]

That doesn't make mechanical sense.  If you turn on the key, and short over the solenoid and the engine starts, then the #1 problem should be a bad solenoid. 
How did you test it with your Fluke?  Voltage or resistance? 

[zebo87]

wouldnt it make sense if you can start it that way but not with the clutch depressed. when i tested it, it was both voltage and resistance.

[Soaring]

So, do you think it's the clutch switch?

[zebo87]

yeah i am going to change it tomorrow.

[Soaring]

Let us know if that fixed it. 

[zebo87]

okay.

[zebo87]

well changed the switch and still same issue. double checked the input to the coil. when testing coil with the key on got some odd info. when touching the backside of the connector of  the coil had no voltage. if unplugged and touching the actual connections had 11.3 volts. car could still start if i had the coil connection unplugged and jumped the solenoid. now thinking its the coil. what do you guys think.

[Soaring]

It very well could be. 

[zebo87]

not the coil either. im lost now. started to recheck some wiring. so far from the ignition switch to the coil is good. still think im missing a switch or something somewhere. i know a fuse would go right away and the problem would have been apparent right away rather than taking a week to gradually degrade.