Problems with car starting

[astrange22]

Hello,

I need some help with my 1992 5speed 240sx. I purchased it about 2 months ago and haven't really had time to mess with it. It does not start up by turning the key. When we pop the clutch while pushing the car, it will start up fine. Once it is running, it doesnt have a problem until you turn it off. Then the same thing happens, turn the key and nothing. The battery has power becuase all of the accessories work including the radio. We tried to tap the starter a couple of times with a hammer and that didnt work. It doesnt click or even try to turn over. Does this sound like it could be the starter or does anyone know of anything else it could be?

Thanks, Adam

[mss5413]

On your clutch pedal there should be a rubber stopper. When the clutch pedal is depressed, as it should be to start the car, it depresses a switch that is supposed to be pushed in order to start the car. If there is not a rubber stopper and you just see a hole there, then the stopper is gone and you need to get another one. About a $1 at the dealership. Remember look under the dash on the clutch pedal arm itself on the left hand portion. If the stopper is gone then you can't miss it. Also push the switch in while turning the key to see if this is your only problem. Good Luck and I hope this works for you!

[astrange22]

Thanks! I will check it out when I get home. I sure hope it is that easy to fix.

[DriftFactory]

Another possibility , and one that happens quite a bit on 240s, is the starter relay. I've had more than one go bad over time. Test it with a voltage meter, it's on the passenger side bolted to the firewall.

[astrange22]

I checked yesterday and the rubber stopper is there, but when I press in the clutch, it is about 1 inch away from the clutch switch. I did however press the switch and tried to start the car and it just clicked once and then nothing.

I will try to check the starter relay. When I do test it with the voltage meter, should the key be on the on position or does it matter. Also, what should the meter read? I am not that good with electronics.

Thanks again for all of the help,Adam

[DriftFactory]

You need to pull the relay out and pin the relay with the voltage meter. The top of the relay has a schematic for the switch. Pin the relay and make sure that the connections match the schematic.

[Master_Tao]

I had this problem before(and I'm having it again now on a new 240) and all was the first time was the ignition relay. Do your windows work? If not it's probably that.