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Ok after 24 years of no worries....
All electrical works but not starting...no starter noise nothing. Then wait a bit and it will start.
I suppose it is a relay??
Anyone know this issue and what part is needed?
Starter works perfect just this funny gremlin.
It has for 24 years always started on the first twist.
Do you hear a click when it won't start as the solenoid kicks in but does not fully drive the gear home or make the electrical connection to start the starter's motor? If:
The ground and hot connections on the battery and the starter have been removed cleaned and reinstalled
You probably need a new starting solenoid or open up the existing one and hose it out with electric motor cleaner and respray it with light grease. This may be done by finding an opening on its housing or loosening its mounting screws slightly and cleaning and lubing it in place with the extension tube that comes with the cleaner and lube cans.
If no click or sound, and
The battery is good (>12.5 volts),
The ground and hot connections have been removed cleaned and reinstalled.
I would look into testing, with a voltmeter, replacing if needed, the ignition switch.
Hi, in case it's the DME relay, here is a picture of its location (from Pelican website). There are a lot of threads on the topic. This would be easy and not expensive to start with and it's recommanded to have a spare DME relay anyway.
By the way, I have the exact same issue. 30% of the time, I turn the key and nothing but it start without any issue after a 2 or 3 trials. I have a spare DME and will install it today to see. I did not test other things yet but I did replace battery, ground cable, ignition switch and rebuilt the starter in the last 2 years.
Hi, in case it's the DME relay, here is a picture of its location (from Pelican website). There are a lot of threads on the topic.
Hi JG,
It has been so long since I have needed to swap out this relay. Does the relay failure stop the starter from spinning the engine or does it allow the engine to spin from the starter but not kick over and run?
Andy
Hi JG,
It has been so long since I have needed to swap out this relay. Does the relay failure stop the starter from spinning the engine or does it allow the engine to spin from the starter but not kick over and run?
Andy
Hi,
In my case, I hear a "click" but nothing else. The engine doesn't make any sound or doesn't turn. As an example, it happens that I can't start the car, so I try again every 3 seconds and the 4th time it will work easily as if the car was new. I am no specialist but I wouldn't think it's a battery (energy) issue since the engine will start easily when it works.
I was not in a rush to try the DME relay option since it works fine most of the time and if it doesn't work the first time, it will work a few seconds after. But this thread is making me curious... I'm at work but will go check the relay now to see the solder joints. And I'll try to start the car making a video if I'm having trouble to start. I'll replace the DME relay since the spare is in the car but I will only be comfortable to confirm if it worked in 2-3 days since the problem is intermittent.
"Unfortunately" I tried to start the car and it worked. I'll try to make a video the next times so OP can confirm we talk about the same issue. And I don't want to hijack this thread but just hoping to help OP.
My DME relay was a "993" part. OP, FYI I think the DME relay issue is known on the 993 relay starting with 944 part #. If yours is a 944 part #, I would start replacing it.
I still looked at the solder joints and don't see any cracks. You can see the pictures below. Although by experience (on my convertible control unit), the cracks can be very subtle. On my control unit I couldn't see any issue but a knowledgeable person immediatly saw few issues.
Conclusion : I think the described issue can be caused by something else than DME. But if it's a 944 part #, it's worth to try to replace it and you better have a spare anyways.
I'll keep update if I find the cause. And OP, please keep us updated too.
Hi JG,
It has been so long since I have needed to swap out this relay. Does the relay failure stop the starter from spinning the engine or does it allow the engine to spin from the starter but not kick over and run?
Andy
It is interesting that this thread went down the DME relay direction. I did a little look-up and it seems that the starter will turn over with a bad relay. It just won't get any ignition so the relay is likely not the issue for the OP here.
Andy
It is interesting that this thread went down the DME relay direction. I did a little look-up and it seems that the starter will turn over with a bad relay. It just won't get any ignition so the relay is likely not the issue for the OP here.
Andy
Thanks! You're right. If removing the relay would be the same as a bad relay, the engine will turn without starting. I just tried.
It is interesting that this thread went down the DME relay direction. I did a little look-up and it seems that the starter will turn over with a bad relay. It just won't get any ignition so the relay is likely not the issue for the OP here.
Andy
You're absolutely check. It's interesting how many posts reference the DME relay for a no-crank situation. Maybe because of the incorrect thread title, No-Start.
You're absolutely check. It's interesting how many posts reference the DME relay for a no-crank situation. Maybe because of the incorrect thread title, No-Start.
Loren, my '97 has a START relay - gray I think 40 amps - in the fuse/relay box. I chased a no crank issue for two summers. Very intermittent, replaced the clutch/starter interlock switch twice. I would get nothing from the starter exactly like a bad clutch switch. Finally on a whim I replaced that gray starter relay and my car has been fine since.
Just wondering if this could be the OP's problem or does a '94 even have the starter relay?
My money would have been on a bad or out-of-adjustment clutch safety switch....but considering the build date and being a Euro vehicle, there should be no clutch safety switch.