98 gt no start

[dp213]

My 98 gt sometimes will not start. No cranking or nothing. I can here a relay under the dash clicking when I turn the key but that's it. Usually after 5 or 10 minutes of waiting it starts right up. This will happen first thing in the morning or after driving, doesn't matter. I have replaced the starter and the ignition.

[Gloyale]

My 98 gt sometimes will not start. No cranking or nothing. I can here a relay under the dash clicking when I turn the key but that's it. Usually after 5 or 10 minutes of waiting it starts right up. This will happen first thing in the morning or after driving, doesn't matter. I have replaced the starter and the ignition.

 

Did you replace the key cylinder or the actual ignition switch?  The circuit gets old and can't carry enough amps to operate the starter solenoid.

 

Common fix is to add a relay to the circuit.  Or even more directly reliable is a pushbutton for starter operation.

[dp213]

I replaced both. Guess I will look into a push button starter

[Subaru Scott]

If you just run a new, #10 wire directly from the ignition switch to the starter, your problem will be solved without resorting to any pushbuttons.

 

Keep in mind, that by doing so, you will be bypassing your neutral safety switch!! Which is likely the source of the resistance anyway, but you will need to do a lot more research and diagnosis to get to the real problem. If you do a search here for starter circuit relay, you will find some walk-throughs on how to do that. More involved, but you will retain function of the neutral switch.

[dp213]

So I finally played with this car a little. I have 12 volts to the starter when key is in start position. The car usually st arts fine, but sometimes I have to hold the key in the start position for 4-5 seconds before it starts.

 

Wouldn't that be a starter solenoid issue?

 

Thanks

[dp213]

So I finally played with this car a little. I have 12 volts to the starter when key is in start position. The car usually st arts fine, but sometimes I have to hold the key in the start position for 4-5 seconds before it starts.

 

Wouldn't that be a starter solenoid issue?

 

Thanks

[1 Lucky Texan]

try whacking the starter with a piece of 2x4 - if that reliably makes it start, worn contacts/plunger in the solenoid are suspect.

[dp213]

Tried that, didn't help

[Subaru Scott]

Pull the start wire off the starter spade terminal and run a jumper wire from the battery +, you can even do it right from the battery's connector at the starter. Momentarily touch it to the spade terminal on the starter. Make sure it's out of gear! If it cranks then, and you can do it a few times without detecting any hesitation, you can rule out the starter. Then your problem will be high resistance between the ignition switch and the starter. Most likely the selector switch if it's an automatic. The circuit runs through several connectors which can also add to the resistance. 

[dp213]

When I run a new wire from the switch to the starter, should I half tap both ends which would keep the existing wire connected as well. Or will having a loop like that be a problem and I should just cut it at both ends and only use the new wire.

[Gloyale]

Yes you will want to have the old wire attached still.  There is a split that goes to the ECU to tell it to enrich during cranking.  If you totally bypass the original circuit, the ECU will not see 12v during cranking.

[dp213]

Thank you

[Stevo F]

Our '98 GT did the same thing when we bought it (only when cold- starter would kick in right away with a warm engine). Put a remanufactured Denso starter in and no issues since.