87 300 zx no longer starts

[Tomhirt]

Turning the key and nothing. Have full power for windows and lights, but jumped it off just in case. Jumped the gun and took out the starter and it tests ok at Autozone. Checked the fuses, ok. Checking the relays and the Clutch relay is unique and I don't have another one like it to swap and test. I've been told to look at the physical clutch switch on the clutch pedel. I was told to remove the connector and ground the two cables to complete that circuit and test. But I just can't reach that sucker.

So, any trouble shooting tips? And how do I reach the clutch switch without dislocating my shoulder?Thanks!

[evildky]

could be the ignition switch, are yu getting trigger voltage to the sarter? if you jumper the trigger will the car start?

[imsagtp]

as far as gaining access to the switch, take off the trim piece below the steering wheel, and then remove the exposed AC ducting behind the trim. Still a fairly small area to work with, but much better than just going at it from the floor.

[Tomhirt]

ok, just about to give up as testing the relays and the clutch switch got nothing. As I was putting the clutch switch back together, I noticed another switch! I missed this one because I originally looked at it from underneath, and I just followed the advice to remove the lap dash and ducks obstructing my view of the switch. This switch gets engaged when the clutch is pressed and the clutch topside level comes down to press the switch top. I used the same paper clip trick on it and the car started! I put the top side switch connector back and decided to press the switch manually and fumbled for the ignition and it started! So the switch is good?!

I noticed the switch clicked loud as I pressed it in. Funny, I didn't hear it click when pushing in he clutch. Placed some better light on the subject and pushed the clutch in and received a true ah haa moment. The top level of he clutch that comes down has a hole exactly in the center, so the switched never gets pressed. I noticed a rubber/plastic solid washer/stopper looking thing on top of the switch surrounding the pin. Doesn't look like it belongs there. I take it off and it appears to have been glued or attached to the clutch top level facing the pin. Over time I think the switch pin just dug a hole through that rubber stopper.

Now why in the would this be designed like that? I can't help but think some Jap business/engineer man decided this would be a great way to get customers to service their cars for an easy fix. Please tell my I'm being too cynical about this.

I ended up taking a 20 cent Euro piece and gluing it to the top level, facing the pin.

I hope that is ok, as it's almost too good to be true. Or should I find a rubber stopper replacement? Thanks again for all the help!

[evildky]

lol, yeah after 20 years or so the rubber has a tendancy to wear out, I'd suggest buyina a new one form a dealer, should last another 20 years

[pigmouse]

Yeah, you might as well go ahead and replace the other little plastic bumper on the clutch also. Otherwise, when your cruise stops working, you'll need to crawl up under there and dislocate joints again to fix that. An ounce of prevention...

You'll also find those on the brake pedal for the brake light / cruise cutoff.

I think they're all the same part number, but I can't remember for sure...