240sx starter/wiring issue

[QuasiMoto]

1991 240 sx 129k

Apologies up fromt for this being ling but I wanted you all to know as much as I know regarding this issue.

The starter will not engage. That is the problem.

This began about 5 years ago when the same thing happened. Car just wouldn't start. Wnet to have the starter replaced but that wasn't the problem. I was told it was a weak input signal from the ignition switch which didn't deliver enough voltage to engage the starter. A friend wired up a relay and everything worked for several years.

About a year ago the same thing happened. Having moved and having multiple cars the 240 was just set aside and stored. I do not have access to the same friends/shop that did the work a few years ago so I cannot get assistance there. Recently I decided to sell the 240 and have begun fixing a few things on it.

Started by ordring a relay and replaced that. Jump started the car with new rela in place and it worked fine. Engine temp gauge climbed so I shut off the engine. When I went to restart nothing, dead battery. So the next day I replaced thermostat, both radiator hoses, radiator cap, coolant and the battery. Now the starter won't engage again. I can hear the relay click when it gets voltage but nothing at the starter.

This morning I just attempted to apply direct power to the starter/solenoid but got nothing. I could see a small arc at the wire I was using but nothing more. I really want to get this running as I have a buyer lined up and she really needs the car soon. I do not wat to go the the frustration and expense of replacing the starter if it is something else. Need help please.

[Bwana]

If you can jump a wire directly to the starter and you get nothing, then you need a new starter.

[vancouverbc]

one of the wires at the solenoid is continuous 12v+. the other is black/yellow from ignition. unplug the ignition wire close to starter and hook directly to battery(with car in neutral). that should turn the engine over if your starter and battery are good. starters go a lot more than relays.

[coupe240sxguy]

auto or manual

[sr20fan]

i dont mean to thred jack, but kinda the same prob here. 95 manual. i live in texas and when it gets hot outside (all the time now) when i try to start my car its like i dont have enough juice making it to the starter.

few days ago, i went to go to work and it seemed like i had a low battery or something. it finally starts and after work it takes a little longer to start, but starts nonetheless.

so next day i try to start it and it starts just fine. take it by autozone and they check the starting system. "everythings OK"

anyways next day. try to start and nothing. it tries a little and then its like a dead battery. i pop the hood and look and the terminals to make sure they are tight and i kinda move the battery a little. i try it again and it starts right up. is the heat messing with the wires coming off of the positive terminal or what.

[MaximA32]

If you can jump a wire directly to the starter and you get nothing, then you need a new starter.

[coupe240sxguy]

i dont mean to thred jack, but kinda the same prob here. 95 manual. i live in texas and when it gets hot outside (all the time now) when i try to start my car its like i dont have enough juice making it to the starter.

few days ago, i went to go to work and it seemed like i had a low battery or something. it finally starts and after work it takes a little longer to start, but starts nonetheless.

so next day i try to start it and it starts just fine. take it by autozone and they check the starting system. "everythings OK"

anyways next day. try to start and nothing. it tries a little and then its like a dead battery. i pop the hood and look and the terminals to make sure they are tight and i kinda move the battery a little. i try it again and it starts right up. is the heat messing with the wires coming off of the positive terminal or what.

Hey since I work for Azone here is a little info... When they perform that test, they check for the battery and charging system. Cant give an accurate test while the starter is on the car, only voltage out put. When starters heat up they fail. Take it off the car and get it bench tested three - four times back to back. What this will do is heat up the starter, and the solenoid. If it fails it is bad... the starter was the problem. good luck

[sr20fan]

thanks