at times I go to start the car, and all it does is crank over...BUT I noticed when it wont start right away.. my tach needle bounces all the way to redline as its cranking, the times it does start the needle does not bounce..it just starts without any movement.... thoughts?

 

Model year and transaxle type needed.

 

its a 1985 automatic

 

is the tach the only thing going bonkers?

 

Sounds like EZ-F ignition ECU failure.

 

My 85 Euro did that this spring. Same goofy 'tach swing' when cranking. I'd never seen that before.

I replaced the LH & EZF relays and it started right up.

 

I will have mechanic look at it, thanks guys

 

Always replace the EZF and LH relays, before anything else.

 

boca928,
I know you don't consider yourself mechanically inclined, but listen to Joe and Greg and this is easy....
1. Order 4 relays from Roger www.928srus.com at +/- $10 each. 141.951.253.B
2. In your car, replace relays 4, 14, 16, and 25. (X-Bus, Starter, EZF & LH, respectively). I've included a chart. Toss the old ones.
3. Try your car again. If it doesn't help, you've eliminated common causes and you can tell your mechanic he can save you $500 doing the same thing you just tried.

Next, un-educated guess based on your limited description is your ignition swtch. Sometimes starts, sometimes doesn't and wacky stuff at your instrument panel.
If nothing else, please let use know results, whether you fix it or your mechanic.
Jason

 

Check your battery connections. Mine were loose only on the small wires going to the fuel pump relay and other things. It caused a no start, crazy tach, and caused the relays to buzz like mad.

Replace the relays as suggested above. They are usually the problem as their contacts wear and corrode internally.