troubleshoot: car randomly doesnt start,help!

[URM S14]

well my car has been randomly deciding to not start lately. it has happened about 4 times in the last month. when it happens, it usually happens about 15 minutes after i stop driving it and when i go to turn it back on, nothing. not even the click from the starter relay. and 2-8 hours later, itll start right back up again. ive tried to jump it but its not the battery.im guessing starter ground but im no master technician. any help is appreciated, thanks!-Chris

[benemorius]

Next time it happens try tapping the relay and messing with it's connectors. If the relay doesn't click it's not the starter.

If that doesn't have any effect you might try fiddling with the clutch switch.

[URM S14]

thanks man, im just having a hard time finding these peices. where can i acces them both? do i have to go under the cra?

[bangstanger]

I had almost the same problem...turned out to be my starter..it tested good at the parts store so I kept lookin for the problem...but eventually it came back to the starter. Now the relay they are talkin about is (in my 91 at least) screwed to the innerfender on the passenger side behind the batt. You will prolly see it...but not reach it with the batt in .. mine was a pain. Anyway, the starter If you havent seen it is on the passenger side also it at the bottom ot the engine and most accesible from the bottom...although the wiring can be reached from the top. Just make sure you discon the batt before you mess with those wires...you can get quite an arc......um..not that I would know....lol

THe clutch switch if you have a stick is waaayyy up at the top of the clutch pedal. if you crawl up under the dash and take a peek you might see it. its mostly behind the pedal with a small "button" that the top of the pedal contacts to tell whatever that the clutch is depressed. there are only 2 wires going to it I believe brown and blue..but not positive.

The starter was held on by two bolts that go through from the rear to the front of the transmission housing I believe they were 14mm and then the one small nut that the wire from the batt is connected to. sorry that one I dont remember... but like I said the starter would test fine cold...but if it started...it wouldnt again for several hours if at all... turns out it was the windings inside (I guess they are called brushes) that had worn out and didnt fit right basically...I hope this helps ya, and I hope it hasnt put ya to sleep...

Carl

[URM S14]

your help is much appreciated, ill go check it out