car starts and doesnt start...

[soul strong]

ok... heres what going on, i just bought a 240sx. its a 1990 and has a dent near the fuel cover. to put gas in.. >.> and a cracked lip.. which the lip is no biggie, anyway. the only problem it looked to have was a powersteering fuild leak, cause everything started up well and all. runs great. but yesterday and the day before the car just wouldnt start at all.. wouldnt crank or anything. when i turn the key to (4) start all the power goes out. i thought it was the alternator but my friend tested the battery and said it was fun so its not the alternator, so i asked if it was the starter, he said if it made a winding noise. nope, no noise just all the power gone.another thing was that after like 4 hours or so of just leaving the car it started up. so i dont know where else to go. has anyone had problems like this? on btw dont know if this makes a difference but the ignition box is loose and i can gingle it. not sure if thats normal with this car. any help would be great other wise, i think im just going to take it to MPH its a local import mechanic place that specializes in import performance, plus my gf knows everyone that works there, and they fixed up her bros car with superchargers and all that other crap... like swaps and custom body work.

oh just thought of something theres a extra cig lighter port right above the gas pedal on the dash, below the steering wheel.

[rotorimp]

Sounds like there is some "Custom" stuff going on around the ignition---it is most likely your problem.

[480sx]

How do i test my alternator for fun? I think mine has a serious fun deficiency, i really need to get that fixed...

Its definitely and electrical problem, i would recommend taking off the 'box' that goes over your steering column and take a look in there. Trace each of the wires as far back into the dash as you can and see if you cant find something weird going on.

Also, check your starter lead. Who knows, it could have worked itself loose. Its the only small wire going to your starter. When you turn the key on when its doing this, does your dash light up? Meaning, are you getting power to other systems in your car or not.

If not, its definitely something in the ignition wires.

[chonmoreno]

I have the same issue, it jsut started doing it today....so how did you fix this problem? my car started fine this morning, then i drove for a minute parked again because i forgot somethign then it wouldnt start at all, it wont even crank. Then tonite i came back from work and i tried to start it, and it started it....however, i tried to restart it and it wouldnt, no crank again. but everythign else works. So what should i look at? Starter? and how can i test it, i ahve a chilton's manual but it got no pix of teh starter i havent looked for it yet, but can some one point me in some direction. Thanks

[180fan]

http://www.240sx.org/faq/artic...s.htm

It's that weird tubular looking thing that's protruding from the transmission next to the motor. It's held in with 2 bolts, a ground and a power cable. Pull the starter and take it over to an auto parts store that will test it for free like a Kragens, or Autozone.

[dgms240]

if the car is a 5spd, it could also be the nuetral safety/ clutch switch. a new one is like $15-20 i think.

[positron1]

I have the same issue, it jsut started doing it today....so how did you fix this problem? my car started fine this morning, then i drove for a minute parked again because i forgot somethign then it wouldnt start at all, it wont even crank. Then tonite i came back from work and i tried to start it, and it started it....however, i tried to restart it and it wouldnt, no crank again. but everythign else works. So what should i look at? Starter? and how can i test it, i ahve a chilton's manual but it got no pix of teh starter i havent looked for it yet, but can some one point me in some direction. Thanks

My car had been having a problem with shutting down when it reached operating temp so I replaced the coolant temp sensor and so far I can get in it and go any and everywhere with no problems.