Starter? Ignition Switch? problem

[Graphfixz]

I have a 91 240sx coupe.

You guys know when you try to start the car and don't push the clutch? Nothing? that is what I am getting when I try to start my car. The thing is that if I turn and turn and turn the key it will eventually turn on, crank, ignite, whatever you want to cal it.

Has anybody experience this? or maybe have an idea?

THanks!

[Ajax]

I'm having similar problems myself. Happened a few times last year, then not again until this weekend (worked fine during the summer, stored for winter- went to start it up during a slight warm-up in MN).
Battery is fine, all normal startup lights go on when key is turned, but the engine does not turn. It did start to turn twice, and turned over as normal, but with my current state of tune etc, she never wants to just start up and stay on (have to feather throttle, sometimes rev it to get going- hopefully to be remedied witha more through tune this spring).
I do hear a small click when the engine does not turn.
So: aside from the two almost starts- key into ignition, turn key, start-up lights on as normal, AFC-Neo on as normal, small click (seems like its from passenger side of engine bay), no motion from engine.
Does this seem similar Graphixz? I'm thinking a relay or something.

[coolbone28]

More than likely the starter solenoid is going bad.

[krashtest]

Just recently dealt with the EXACT same problem with my '95. Went through all the motions of checking all the usual suspects but what it was I didnt expect. I hope this will save you some time. Pull the upper and lower steering column covers to get easy access to the back of the ignition switch. Probably not a bad idea to disconnect neg. battery lead first. Remove the screws holding the switch itself to the cylinder and gently pull it clear of the column. Don't disconnect it yet. With your battery reconnected, and holding the switch in your hand, use a flat tip to turn the switch to start the car. Do this a few times. If the engine fires right up, as mine did, your problems in the key cylinder itself. I recall even the datsuns shared this problem cuz it happened to my mothers 260z back in the 90's. Did the same thing then that I had to do on my 240, get a wiring diagram and install a push-button start switch. Its either that or pay a wad of cash to the dealership for new ignition cylinder setup.
The wiring is easy once you know what wire goes where. Downloaded needed schematics off this site. I just tapped off the hot at the switch itself, ran it through a 30 amp relay and then back up to the wires that normally get the juice when the key is turned all the way to start. You can disconnect the switch and use a multimeter to figure that out. Make sure you put an inline fuse going to the relay to be safe. I used that same hot for the positive side of the relay coil then put my momentary switch on the wire going to the neg. side of coil. Car starts EVERY time, and still requires the key to start.
Hope this helps you out.

[BigDAT]

if ^that isnt your issue, check your grounds.

when the key is in the "on" not 'start' position, do you have power? (dash lights etc)

[-RJ-]

I dont think its likely but check the fuse in the engine bay ENG CONT. Its a 10 amp fuse. Mine had a crack in it and when I replaced it I havent had a starting problem since