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| Odd wiring issue | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 2 2015, 10:14 PM (2,631 Views) | |
| Metromightymouse | Mar 4 2015, 12:51 AM Post #16 |
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Powdercoat Wizard
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Glad it's fixed.
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| Metromightymouse | Mar 4 2015, 12:54 AM Post #17 |
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Powdercoat Wizard
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You should probably follow the headlight procedure and resolve that issue next. |
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| OGrilla | Mar 4 2015, 01:21 AM Post #18 |
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I definitely should, but bad news: it still won't start without popping the clutch, which I obviously can't continue to do forever. I'll have to work on the starter as outlined in that other thread you linked before. |
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| Metromightymouse | Mar 4 2015, 03:58 AM Post #19 |
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Very common issue as well. Use the jumper several times on a couple of different occasions (do not get run over by your own car). If the jumper works every time and the ignition switch won't, a relay bypasses the problem. I have never regretted putting the relay (and starter button) in. I fought with the problem for several years and finally got tired of trying to bump the engine to get it to work, push starting by myself or with my wife, and asking for jump starts. It's fortunate it is a light car and starts easy, but it still wasn't fun in the Texas heat. |
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| OGrilla | Mar 5 2015, 12:02 AM Post #20 |
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Are you referring to this post for the relay? And should I connect a wire from the positive battery terminal to the starter to test it? Also, how would I install a start button? Can't seem to find that one... Lots of questions, I know... EDIT: Forgot you had linked your thread on starters. Edited by OGrilla, Mar 5 2015, 12:04 AM.
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| Metromightymouse | Mar 5 2015, 12:49 AM Post #21 |
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That thread covers it.
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| fireflyin | Mar 5 2015, 01:50 AM Post #22 |
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if u take a screw driver on the back of alt u can test for magstim basically take flat end screw driver on back of the alt there is a small circle which is the shaft that has windings on it if u start car and it has a very good magnetic pull or hard to pull off when u pull it off the alternator your alternator is good if it has a weak magstim then its bad also test battery 13-14v having car started if non of this pass's then alternator is bad |
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| OGrilla | Mar 5 2015, 02:34 AM Post #23 |
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My alternator is fine, as far as I can tell as it did recharge my battery, but I'll still test that tomorrow, thanks. I forgot to mention earlier that I removed my starter+solenoid and got it bench tested at the local auto parts store. They said it ran like a champ, so I'm assuming at this point that it is the ignition switch, since there is no longer any clicking when I attempt to start it with the key. I'll test it tomorrow and see if I can find the culprit in the ignition and then I'll most likely do the relay trick. It probably got buried earlier in the edits I made, but I have the tip of my key broken off and lodged in the ignition. Luckily I have a spare to lock and unlock the doors, and I'm kind of fond of being able to leave my car running with the doors locked, but I will remove it if necessary. |
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| Metromightymouse | Mar 5 2015, 06:22 AM Post #24 |
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The bit of key in the switch wouldn't create an electrical issue. If you aren't getting any click then I would trace that issue to be sure, since the best way to install the relay is into the existing wiring to keep the clutch safety switch in the circuit. Pull the ignition wire off of the starter and see if you get voltage with the key turned to start and clutch pedal depressed. If not, find out why before moving to the relay solution. If the voltage is much less than the battery voltage Then I would try to find where that issue is as well, you should show battery voltage, or very close to it on that wire when trying to start the car. |
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| OGrilla | Mar 8 2015, 07:31 PM Post #25 |
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I don't have an ignition wire connecting to my starter. I don't know how I've missed it thus far, but that is obviously not good... Those two topics I referred to in the earlier post don't seem to show or explain exactly where the 86 wire should connect. I can't trace it because I don't have one on there to trace. |
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| Metromightymouse | Mar 8 2015, 09:31 PM Post #26 |
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If it was starting with the key then it had to have the wire. It should be a wire with a spade connector that plugs onto the solenoid. It is probably hanging around under there somewhere. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to check the manual or my car at this moment. |
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| Stubby79 | Mar 9 2015, 01:43 AM Post #27 |
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It can't be more than a few inches away. Should be part of the wiring harness that runs along the back of the engine...single wire with (probably) a white spade on the end. Wire is probably 6"-8" long. Should be able to find it by feel. I'll see if I can snap a shot of it later if you want. |
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| OGrilla | Mar 9 2015, 07:12 PM Post #28 |
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Okay, so I found the wire and attempted to start it. It clicked once but never tried again. So I did the relay bypass. It didn't start, but did make a lot of clicks. I managed to push-start it and now I'm letting it recharge the battery enough to hopefully attempt starting it. Think the voltage was too low at 11.5, but somehow it was reading ~7v when it first started running after the push... It's at around 12v right now, so still need to get 2 more in. I decided not to test out the voltage readings at my ignition coil and module, etc, because I started rushing and forgot. I'll do that when I have the chance tomorrow. I'm 90% sure it's the ignition switch, so I bought a toggle switch and a momentary push button in order to bypass it. Another thing I found while pondering the meaning of life and the Geo Metro was that my headlight wires were burnt as shown in the go-to topic. So I'll take care of that when it becomes top priority. Thank you, everyone, for bearing with me and my novice questions and silly problems. I'm hoping to have this resolved soon. |
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| Stubby79 | Mar 9 2015, 10:51 PM Post #29 |
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at 7v, the ECM won't even function. My guess is you were checking it somewhere where there was additional resistance (from oxidation or what not - ie you weren't touching clean, bare metal, or somewhere else in the circuit you have said resistance). Where were you checking the voltage? at the battery? If you haven't already, clean your battery terminals & connectors... PS: you might need a new battery &/or starter, depending on if the battery will hold a charge & if it'll crank over or not after. Edited by Stubby79, Mar 9 2015, 10:53 PM.
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| OGrilla | Mar 10 2015, 07:01 AM Post #30 |
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I appreciate the reply, but I've typed too much relevant info to respond in a civil manner. |
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Glad it's fixed.





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That thread covers it.

2:15 PM Jul 11